Dozens of Nigerian Fishermen Feared Dead After Chad Strikes on Boko Haram
Around 40 Nigerian fishermen are feared dead following Chadian air strikes on Boko Haram positions in the Lake Chad area. A fishermen's leader told the BBC the deaths occurred either in the strikes themselves or as people drowned while trying to flee. The Chadian army has yet to comment officially.
Chad's military carried out air strikes on Boko Haram militant positions on islets in Lake Chad, after which a group of Nigerian fishermen in the area went missing. A local fishermen's union leader told the BBC that up to 40 people may have died either in the strikes or by drowning as they fled.
Lake Chad has long been a vital source of livelihood for fishermen from both Nigeria and Chad. The region has also been a stronghold of Boko Haram and other armed groups since 2009. Concerns about civilian casualties have been raised in similar operations in recent years.
Nigeria's government said it has requested information from Chadian authorities and dispatched an investigative team to the area. The United Nations humanitarian coordinator called for an independent inquiry. Chad's military had earlier stated that the strikes targeted only militant positions in the area.
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