Federal Government to Investigate Accidental Airstrike in Sokoto Villages
The Federal Government has pledged a comprehensive investigation into Wednesday's accidental bombing that claimed 10 lives in Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa villages of Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
This assurance was conveyed in a statement on Friday by Ahmad Aliyu, Press Secretary to the Sokoto State Governor, following a condolence visit by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.
Describing the incident as deeply unfortunate, Matawalle assured that a thorough probe would uncover the circumstances surrounding the bombing. “Mr. President is deeply concerned about this tragic event and has directed me to extend his condolences to the people of Sokoto State,” he said.
The minister noted that such mishaps sometimes occur during military airstrikes due to inaccurate intelligence. However, he emphasized that initial security reports had identified the area as a stronghold for the Lakurawa bandits.
In response, Governor Ahmed Aliyu urged the military to enhance their intelligence gathering and surveillance systems to prevent future errors. “The military and other security agencies have shown commendable commitment to ensuring the safety of our state. However, incidents like this highlight the need for improved precision in operations,” the governor stated.
Governor Aliyu also expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his swift concern and attention to the accidental bombing, reaffirming the state’s support for ongoing security efforts.
The tragic incident has sparked widespread calls for better measures to avoid civilian casualties during military operations, as authorities continue their fight against banditry and insecurity in the region.
Comments