Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has condemned the Sokoto airstrike that killed 10 civilians, urging precision in military operations to prevent indiscriminate casualties. He called for accountability and extended condolences to the victims' families. Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu pledged ₦20 million in relief for affected families amid widespread outrage.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly criticized the recent military airstrike in Sokoto State, which reportedly claimed the lives of 10 civilians in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities. While the military asserts that the operation targeted members of the Lakurawa terrorist group, the Sokoto State government, and residents allege that innocent villagers fell victim to the strike.
In a statement shared on his X handle, Atiku expressed his outrage at the loss of innocent lives, calling the incident "an indefensible failure and a grave violation of humanity." Reflecting on the Tudun Biri airstrike in December 2023, which killed over 80 civilians, he questioned whether lessons from past tragedies have been learned.
Atiku emphasized the need for precision in counter-terrorism operations, urging the military to act on verified intelligence to avoid civilian casualties. He warned that indiscriminate violence erodes trust between citizens and the forces meant to protect them, perpetuating cycles of division and suffering. "Every life must be valued," Atiku stated, extending condolences to the grieving families and calling for measures to prevent future tragedies.
Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu visited the affected areas, offering ₦20 million in relief funds to support victims' families.
