A Nigerian Air Force airstrike in Kaduna mistakenly targeted the Jika da Kolo community, resulting in the deaths of over 25 individuals, including worshippers. While the Air Force claims it targeted terrorists, locals demand an investigation, highlighting the ongoing insecurity in the region.
A tragic incident unfolded in the Jika da Kolo community of Yadin Kidandan, Kaduna State, as a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) plane reportedly struck the area during an anti-terror operation, resulting in the deaths of over 25 individuals. Local sources claim that 23 worshippers at a mosque and several others at a nearby market were killed when the aircraft mistakenly bombed the community.
The NAF, however, contends that the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence regarding a significant terrorist presence in the Yadi Forest. According to their account, no mosque existed in the targeted area, and they assert that many terrorists were eliminated during the airstrike.
Eyewitnesses recounted harrowing scenes, with disfigured bodies retrieved from the site. Villagers described the chaos as the strike occurred around 2 PM, coinciding with the bustling market near the mosque. Survivors expressed their disbelief, asserting that innocent farmers and children were among the casualties.
Local councilor Abdullahi Ismail confirmed the incident, emphasizing the community's precarious situation amid ongoing terrorist activities. He called for a thorough investigation into the airstrike.
In response, NAF's Group Captain Kabiru Ali defended the operation, stating that it targeted a logistics base of notorious terrorists and insisting that the intelligence was solid. He emphasized the commitment of the Nigerian Air Force to combat terrorism in the region while calling for continued efforts to safeguard the local populace.
