Amnesty International has condemned a Nigerian military airstrike that reportedly killed more than 50 civilians at a local market in Geidam, Yobe State.

In a statement issued on Sunday, Amnesty International described the attack as unlawful and reckless.

It noted that according to eyewitness accounts, at least three military jets carried out the air raid on Saturday, striking a busy market in Jilli village within Geidam Local Government Area.

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The strike, which was allegedly aimed at insurgents, instead hit civilians engaged in commercial activities.

“Launching air raids is not a legitimate law enforcement method by anyone’s standard. Such reckless use of deadly force is unlawful, outrageous and lays bare the Nigerian military’s shocking disregard for the lives of those it supposedly exists to protect.

“The Nigerian authorities must immediately and impartially investigate the incident and ensure that suspected perpetrators are held to account,” the statement read.