Femi Falana gives FG two-week deadline to reimburse victims of accidental military airstrikes.

By Hannah Nathan, Warri

The Federal Government has been issued a two-week ultimatum by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, to recompense victims of military airstrikes in the last seven years to avoid legal action.

In a statement on Sunday, the senior attorney issued this warning and added that if the demand is not fulfilled, the government will face legal action from a Federal High Court.

Over 300 civilians, including women and children, have reportedly perished in unintentional airstrikes carried out by the Nigerian military in recent years.

Last week, there was an incorrect drone attack in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State, which caused national criticism.

The terrible incident claimed the lives of at least 120 innocent locals who were attending an Islamic celebration.

Additionally, all 109 senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria donated their December salary to the bombed victims after the tragedy.

On Sunday, while leading a high-power Senate delegation to the state, Senator Barau I. Jibrin, the Deputy President of the Senate, announced the decision at the Kaduna State Government House.

Falana, the chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), responded to the tragedy by saying victims have not received for those who have been harmed by these bombs over time.

According to Falana, following the January 2017 bombing of the Rann, the government established a commission tasked with reviewing the current rules of engagement that apply to the Nigerian military forces and the degree of adherence to those regulations. The commission’s role included recommending ways to stop transgressions of international humanitarian law and human rights legislation.

The senior attorney questioned why the FG had not released the findings or carried out the commission’s recommendations, which were led by Justice Biobell Georgewill of the Court of Appeals.