Femi Falana, a human rights lawyer, has issued a two-week ultimatum to the Federal Government.
He is demanding compensation for victims of military airstrikes that have occurred over the past seven years, arguing that should the government fail to meet this demand, legal action will be taken against them in a Federal High Court.
It has been reported that the Nigerian military’s accidental bombings have resulted in the deaths of over 300 civilians, including women and children, in recent years.
Last week, there was a tragic drone bombing in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
This incident caused a nationwide outcry as it resulted in the deaths of at least 120 innocent residents who were joyfully celebrating an Islamic festival.
In response to this heartbreaking event, all 109 senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria generously donated their December salaries to support the victims of the bombing.
The announcement was made by Senator Barau I. Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate, during a visit to the Kaduna State Government House with a delegation from the Senate.
Falana, the chairman of Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), expressed his reaction to the incident, stating that victims of these bombings have not received justice over the years.
Falana stated that following the Rann bombing in January 2017, the government established a panel “mandated to review extant rules of engagement applicable in the armed forces of Nigeria as well as the extent of compliance with the rules. Part of the mandate of the commission was to also prefer means of preventing violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.”.
The senior lawyer was curious as to why the FG has not published the report or put into action the recommendations of the commission led by Justice Biobell Georgewill from the court of appeal.
