In a tragic incident, at least 33 residents of Dogon Daji village in Maradun Local Government Area (LGA) of Zamfara State were killed during a military airstrike. The incident occurred on April 10 as residents were preparing for the Eid-el-Fitr prayer, marking the end of Ramadan fasting.
According to Reuters, the military operation, targeting bandits and their hideouts, led to the devastating airstrike. Lawali Ango, the traditional head of Dogon Daji village, recounted witnessing an aircraft passing overhead just before hearing loud explosions. He attempted to contact those at home but failed to connect, prompting him and others to rush back on motorbikes.
Upon reaching the scene, Ango discovered the horrifying aftermath, with buildings destroyed and residents trapped inside. Surajo Abubakar, a farmer who lost two wives and five children, described hearing the noise of a jet followed by blasts. He mourned the loss of seven family members and counted approximately 33 bodies.
Residents like Abu Waziri were shocked by the extensive damage caused by the airstrike. Despite the devastation, the community came together to pray for and bury the victims, piecing together their remains with patience and sorrow.
Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, denied claims of civilian casualties or deliberate targeting. He asserted that airstrikes were conducted with careful intelligence and surveillance, indicating a tragic misunderstanding or miscalculation in this instance.
This heartbreaking incident adds to a grim history of accidental military airstrikes in Nigeria. Recent examples include the loss of at least 30 lives in Tudun Birni community, Kaduna State, and 27 casualties in Kwateri, between Benue and Nasarawa states, highlighting the recurring and devastating impact of such errors on innocent civilians.
