Military airstrikes mistakenly kill, injure villagers in Sokoto

The military airstrikes against Lakurawa terrorists in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa villages in Silame local government area of Sokoto State on Christmas day mistargeted the terrorist and mistakenly killed about ten villagers

Penpushing reports that the chairman of the local government Abubakar Daftarana  who confirmed the incident said it  occurred at about 7am on Wednesday and hit the villagers who were sitting peacefully

“The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping on the communities. They were innocent and peace-loving people who had no criminal record. It is early for me to confirm the number of people either killed or injured because we are still assessing the development’, he stated.

Penpushing further reports that the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, Olusola Akinboyewa, as at the time of filing this report was yet to make official statement on the sad development.

The task force spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Abubakar, however, in a statement explained that the operation followed intelligence gathering.

Penpushing also reports that the Joint Task Force, North West, Operation Fasan Yamma has addressed recent reports concerning a military fighter jet allegedly bombing civilian structures in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

‘These reports have raised concerns; however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions. This rigorous process is particularly important when targeting groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organization, as it aims to ensure precision and protect civilian lives’, he said.

“Given the serious nature of these operations, the public is urged to rely on confirmed information to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic. There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry’.

“Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken”.

Penpushing reports that in contrast, the Joint Task Force (JTF) North West, Operation Fasan Yamma, insisted the operation targeted Lakurawa terrorists and denied hitting civilian structures, and a statement by Lieutenant Colonel Abdullahi Abubakar emphasized that the airstrike was justified, cautioning against misinformation spread by terrorist groups and collaborators.

The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has demanded the investigation of the killing of civilians in military airstrikes adding that he was in direct communication with the leadership of the Nigerian Army to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

Penpushing further reports that the Governor in a statement added that the state government would do everything it can to support the affected families and engage with the relevant authorities to prevent such occurrences in the future.

‘It is with a heavy heart that I address you following the tragic incident in the communities of Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa in the Silame Local Government Area. This heartbreaking event, caused by an accidental misfire from the Nigerian Army, has claimed the lives of innocent citizens and left several others injured’, he said.

‘As your governor, I am deeply saddened by this avoidable loss of life. On behalf of the government and the people of Sokoto State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured in this unfortunate incident’.

‘I want to assure you that I am in direct communication with the leadership of the Nigerian Army to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragedy. The state government will do everything within its power to support the affected families and engage with the relevant authorities to prevent such occurrences in the future’.

‘This is a time for us to stand united as a community. I urge all residents to remain calm and pray for peace in our state and nation. May the Almighty comfort the bereaved families and grant eternal rest to the departed souls’.

‘I visited the affected areas to assess the situation firsthand and have directed a donation of N20 million along with 100 bags of assorted food items to the families of the deceased. This support is intended to alleviate their suffering and cover the medical bills of those hospitalized due to their injuries from the bombardment. Together, we will overcome this difficult moment and work towards ensuring that such tragedies do not happen again’,

Penpushing also reports that Nigerian military recently declared Lakurawa a new terror group, said to be operating in some parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states for a few years, as sources disclosed that the group also killed one of its hosts, a local chief in Sokoto, following a disagreement between them.

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