The Nigerian government has ordered an investigation into a weekend air strike on a crowded market that killed at least 56 people, many of them civilians.
The late Tuesday statement marked an about-face for the government, which had initially insisted it had successfully targeted jihadists in the Saturday strike on the village of Jilli, on the border of Yobe and Borno states.
Air strikes have killed hundreds of civilians in the country's long-running war against jihadists, though human rights observers say the military often sweeps investigations under the rug.
The Federal Government has ordered a full and independent investigation into the incident, which will review intelligence, targeting, and execution, and address any gaps and ensure accountability where needed.
Analysts have said that jihadists likely could have used the market to resupply, but Amnesty International Nigeria country director Isa Sanusi said that would not justify hitting a crowded civilian market.
The investigation marks a turning point from earlier government rhetoric dismissing civilian casualties.
