The United Nations has called on Nigerian and Chadian authorities to launch independent investigations into recent military airstrikes that reportedly claimed civilian lives in northern Nigeria.

Speaking at a press briefing in New York on Wednesday, UN Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq, said the global body shares concerns raised by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, over reports of civilian casualties linked to the incidents.

According to reports, a Nigerian military airstrike on a market in Zamfara State on May 10 allegedly left at least 100 civilians dead. In a separate incident, military operations reportedly carried out by Chadian forces were said to have killed dozens of fishermen in northwestern Nigeria, further intensifying humanitarian concerns in the region.

Haq urged both governments to conduct swift, transparent, and impartial investigations into the allegations, stressing the need for accountability.

“Those responsible for any violations must be held accountable, and all necessary measures should be taken to ensure the protection of civilians during military operations,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters has rejected reports suggesting civilian casualties occurred during a recent joint military operation in Zamfara State.

Speaking on the operation, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja said troops targeted terrorist leaders in Tumfa village, located in Shinkafi Local Government Area of the state.

He maintained that casualty figures circulating in some reports remain unverified and inconsistent with official military assessments.

Onoja reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to professionalism, accountability, and safeguarding civilian lives while conducting security operations.

The development has renewed concerns over the humanitarian impact of military actions in conflict-prone areas and calls for stricter measures to prevent civilian harm.

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Several travellers are feared dead following a suspected bomb explosion along the Yar’Tasha–Dansadau road in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Saturday.

The incident was confirmed by the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Yazid Abubakar, who said a blast occurred in the area but noted that details were still sketchy as investigations were ongoing.

“I can confirm that there was a blast in that area, but the incident just happened. I can’t give further details yet. I will provide updates later,” Abubakar said during a telephone interview.

Attempts by reporters to reach the police spokesperson later for additional clarification were unsuccessful, as his phone line was unreachable at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, videos circulating on social media show scenes of panic, with travellers fleeing the area shortly after the explosion.

Reacting to the incident, an X user, Nuhu Sada, described the blast as another tragic attack on innocent civilians, calling on security agencies to act swiftly to prevent further violence and ensure those responsible are brought to justice.

Another social media user alleged that the explosion may have been caused by an improvised explosive device (IED) planted by bandits, though casualties and the exact cause of the blast have yet to be officially confirmed.

Security agencies are expected to provide more details as investigations continue.

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