Nigerian soldiers allegedly torched homes and tortured civilians in Erena, Niger State, during operations against bandit Dogo Gide. Witnesses reported violence during a wedding ceremony and multiple homes were destroyed. Local leaders voiced concerns about impending food shortages due to the military’s actions. The International Criminal Court is investigating military activities amid ongoing complaints from victims’ families.
A report surfaced indicating that Nigerian soldiers torched homes in the town of Erena, Niger State, specifically in Chikuba, where they purportedly targeted the houses of bandit Dogo Gide. However, local residents, who were reportedly victims of the soldiers’ brutality, asserted that the burned structures were those of innocent villagers.
Dogo Gide is identified as a notorious bandit responsible for violence in Niger, Kaduna, and Zamfara states. His gang recently attacked a military aircraft in August 2023 near Kwaki, close to where the soldiers conducted operations that resulted in the destruction reported in the area.
Eyewitness accounts describe terrorizing incidents in Makera, Kudodo, and Sabon Gida, where more than 20 homes were set ablaze. During a wedding in Makera, soldiers disrupted the ceremony while demanding information about the bandits’ location, leading to accusations against innocent people.
Villagers reported that the soldiers assaulted attendees, including an imam, and confiscated their mobile phones during the interrogation. The violence was so severe that one wedding attendee lost consciousness, while another suffered injuries. Women at the wedding also experienced devastation as soldiers destroyed the bride’s belongings.
Following the attacks in Makera, the military proceeded to Chukuba, where villagers had fled upon receiving warnings. The soldiers indiscriminately fired upon the village and subsequently bombed multiple residences, which included crops that residents relied upon for sustenance.
Local leaders expressed concern about the humanitarian impact, stating that without assistance, villagers might face severe food shortages due to ongoing banditry hindering agricultural efforts. Reports indicate that prior military operations have also led to unintended civilian casualties, undermining community trust in security forces.
The Nigerian Air Force has previously faced backlash for mistakenly targeting civilians while aiming to eliminate terrorist threats, resulting in calls for accountability from victims’ families. In light of these events, the International Criminal Court is reportedly investigating military actions against civilians in Nigeria.
In response to the recent turmoil, the Niger State International Human Rights Commission has vowed to conduct an independent inquiry into the allegations against the military. The commission is exploring potential legal measures to ensure justice for affected villagers. However, defense officials have not provided any comments concerning the ongoing situation.
The recent report from Niger State reveals alarming incidents where soldiers reportedly burned civilian homes and tortured villagers during operations purportedly aimed at bandits. Eyewitness testimonies indicate profound suffering inflicted on innocent residents, raising serious concerns regarding military conduct. The ongoing humanitarian crisis highlights the dire need for accountability and justice in these conflict-stricken areas, emphasizing the importance of protecting civilian lives amid security operations.
Original Source: www.premiumtimesng.com
