The Federal Government has vowed to investigate the accidental bombing that led to the deaths of 10 civilians in Gidan Bisa and Gidan Ruutuwa villages in Sokoto's Silame Local Government Area. Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mutawalle, disclosed this during a condolence visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu, stating that President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned about the incident.
Mutawalle assured that the probe would determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, attributing it to possible misinformation provided to the military. He acknowledged that the affected area is a known base for the Lakurawa bandits and reaffirmed the government's commitment to tackling insecurity across Nigeria.
The minister also personally donated ₦10 million to support the families of the victims and those injured, while commending Governor Aliyu's proactive approach to security, including his request for a military base in the state.
Governor Aliyu, in response, urged improved intelligence gathering to prevent future mishaps, appreciating the federal government's and military's efforts in combating banditry. He described the incident as a tragedy destined to happen and prayed for divine protection against such occurrences.
Defence HQ: Secondary Explosion Responsible for Fatalities
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) clarified that the casualties resulted from a secondary explosion during an airstrike targeting the Lakurawa terrorists and their logistics base. According to Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the airstrike was carefully planned, based on extensive intelligence and surveillance to minimize civilian harm.
While the airstrike hit its intended target, the explosion triggered a chain reaction, causing civilian casualties. Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) assured that the incident would be thoroughly investigated to avoid future occurrences.
The military emphasized its commitment to conducting operations with precision and accountability, noting the heightened terrorist activities in the area that necessitated the operation on December 25.
Civil Society Groups Back FG’s Fight Against Banditry
Northern Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have expressed support for President Tinubu and Defence Minister Mutawalle in their efforts to combat banditry. The Arewa Think Tank lauded the government's commitment to addressing security challenges and called for unity in achieving peace in the region.
Meanwhile, the League of Northern Democrats called for a more robust federal response, urging transparency and a deeper probe into the circumstances of the bombing to reassure affected communities.
