Sokoto accidental airstrike, avoidable loss of lives, says gov

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmad Aliyu, has visited the communities bombed by a fighter jet in the state to assess the damage and offer condolences to the families of the victims.

The National Emergency Management Agency disclosed this in a statement on X.com on Thursday.

The statement read, “Over 10 persons have been reported dead as a result of the bomb released in 2 communities of Silami Local Government Area in Sokoto State.

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“The bomb which was launched by a fighter jet was meant to attack the Lakurawa terrorist in the area but landed in Gidan Bisa and Runtawa communities.

“The Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu in the company of Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako amongst other stakeholders visited the affected communities to see for himself and condoled the families of the victims and members of the communities.”

In a separate statement on X.com late Wednesday, Aliyu conveyed his condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the attack, describing the event as “heartbreaking” and an “avoidable loss of life.”

His statement partly read, “This heartbreaking event, caused by an accidental misfire from the Nigerian Army, has claimed the lives of innocent citizens and left several others injured.

“As your governor, I am deeply saddened by this avoidable loss of life. On behalf of the government and the people of Sokoto State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured in this unfortunate incident.”

The governor added that during his visit to the affected communities, he announced a donation of N20 million, along with 100 bags of assorted food items, to assist the families of the deceased.

“The donation is intended to provide financial support for funeral arrangements and medical bills for those still recovering in hospitals due to their injuries,” he wrote.

Aliyu also reassured the public that he is in constant communication with the leadership of the Nigerian Army to ensure a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.

“The state government will take all necessary steps to support the affected families and collaborate with relevant authorities to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future,” he added.

It was reported that a Nigerian Air Force airstrike, intended to neutralise Lakurawa terrorists, marred Christmas celebrations in Sokoto State on Wednesday as it mistakenly hit two communities in Silame Local Government Area of the state, killing several residents.

The incident was also said to have led to loss of animals for the villages affected as well as foodstuffs.