- An airstrike in two Sokoto communities, Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa, has left 10 civilians dead.
- The military claims the operation targeted Lakurawa terrorists, but local authorities and residents say the attack was erroneous and hit innocent villagers.
- Governor Ahmed Aliyu has described the incident as a tragic mistake and pledged a thorough investigation.
A devastating airstrike in Sokoto State has sparked controversy and outrage, with 10 civilians killed and many more injured. The military, specifically the Joint Task Force (JTF) North West, Operation Fasan Yamma, insists that the operation targeted Lakurawa terrorists and denies hitting civilian structures.
However, local authorities and residents tell a different story. The council chairman, Hon. Abubakar Gitta Rana, describes the airstrike as an “erroneous” attack on innocent villagers, which also killed livestock. Governor Ahmed Aliyu, who visited the affected communities, echoed this sentiment, calling the incident a “tragic mistake” and promising a thorough investigation.
The state government has announced a donation of ₦20 million and 100 bags of foodstuffs to assist the bereaved families, as well as covering the medical expenses of those injured in the airstrike. The incident raises concerns about the precision of military operations and accountability in counterterrorism efforts.
