Nigerian parliament to investigate military airstrike on refugee camp

The Nigerian parliament on Wednesday said it would investigate the bombing of a refugee camp in the northeastern state of Borno by a military fighter jet, to ascertain whether the airstrike was in strict observance of the rules of engagement under the Air Law and International Humanitarian Law.

At least 52 people lost their lives and 120 others injured in the bombing on Tuesday which the Nigerian military had already admitted as an "operational error."

The parliament said although it noted the preliminary explanation by the Nigerian armed forces that the incident was not a deliberate hostile act on a civilian population whose lives were their duty to protect, the investigation must be done in the spirit of national interest.

The legislature is also considering a move to ascertain the level of emergency assistance needed by the survivors and the level of health service extended to the victims, according to Muhammed Zoro, a national lawmaker.

Nigerian leader Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday expressed deep sadness and regret over the incident, noting that the military was engaged in the final phase of mopping up Boko Haram terrorists in the country's northeast region when the accidental discharge occurred.

The incident occurred after an intelligence report was received that Boko Haram terrorists were regrouping in Rann, the area in which the internally displaced persons' camp that was mistakenly bombed is situated, the Nigerian Army said.

The Nigerian military is currently intensifying aerial and ground patrol in the country's northeast, extending its offensive mission around the Green Belt Region near Niger and Chad. Endit