The United Nations has called for prompt, thorough, and independent investigations into two recent deadly airstrikes  one by Nigerian forces and another by Chadian forces  that killed civilians in the Lake Chad region.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk made the call on Wednesday, stressing the need for accountability. He said both Nigerian and Chadian authorities must ensure that those responsible for any violations are held to account according to international standards.

In the first incident, a Nigerian military airstrike reportedly hit a market in Jilli village, Yobe State, killing dozens to over 100 civilians. The military said it targeted Islamist militants, but rights groups and survivors claim many ordinary people were among the victims.

In the second case, Chadian airstrikes on suspected Boko Haram positions around Lake Chad reportedly killed dozens of Nigerian fishermen. Local leaders say more than 40 fishermen are feared dead  some hit directly by the strikes and others who drowned while trying to flee in overloaded boats. The Chadian military described the operation as a response to earlier Boko Haram attacks that killed Chadian soldiers.

These incidents happened in the volatile Lake Chad Basin, where Boko Haram and other militant groups continue to operate across borders. The area has long suffered from insurgency, displacement, and repeated civilian casualties during military operations.

For communities around Lake Chad, the strikes have brought fresh pain. Fishermen who depend on the lake for their daily bread now live in fear, while families in market areas worry about sudden attacks. Many have lost loved ones and sources of income in a region already struggling with poverty and insecurity.

The UN has emphasised that protecting civilians must remain a top priority in counter-terrorism efforts. Rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have also demanded full investigations into the strikes.

Nigerian and Chadian authorities have not yet issued detailed responses to the UN call, though Nigeria has previously announced internal probes into similar incidents.

The developments highlight the difficult balance security forces face in fighting militants while protecting innocent lives in a complex border region. Many families affected are hoping for justice and measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Further updates are expected as investigations progress.