A Sokoto State airstrike tragically killed 10 civilians in Gidan Bisa village during an anti-terror operation. Governor Ahmed Aliyu described the event as a mistake, offering relief packages to affected families. Military officials denied civilian casualties, asserting targets were terrorist-linked. Investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The Sokoto State government has confirmed that a military airstrike targeting suspected terrorists in Gidan Bisa village, Silame LGA, led to the accidental deaths of 10 civilians. The tragic incident occurred at approximately 6 a.m. on Christmas Day.
Abubakar Bawa, the governor's press secretary, issued a statement quoting Silame LGA Chairman, Abubakar Rana, who detailed that two fighter jets mistakenly bombed the area. Governor Ahmed Aliyu, along with APC leader Aliyu Wamakko and Minister of Labour Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, attended the victims' funeral prayers.
Governor Aliyu expressed condolences, describing the event as an unfortunate error. He reassured residents that previous military operations had successfully targeted criminal groups, emphasizing that this incident was a regrettable mistake. The state government pledged N20 million and 100 bags of food for the victims' families, while also covering medical expenses for the injured.
Military officials, however, refuted claims of civilian casualties. Abubakar Abdullahi, the media coordinator for Operation Hadarin Daji, stated that the operation was guided by intelligence and reconnaissance, ensuring precision in targeting insurgents. He reiterated that the bombed sites were confirmed to be linked to the Lakurawa terrorist group.
Nigerian Air Force spokesperson Olusola Akinboyewa affirmed that the strikes were based on credible intelligence, but assured that any reports of civilian harm would be thoroughly investigated.
