The Sokoto State government has donated the sum of N20million to the families of the victims of Wednesday’s accidental bombing on civilian communities in Sokoto State.
This was disclosed when political gladiators in the State stormed Silame local government area of the State to attend the burial of victims of the alleged military airstrikes targeted at Lakurawa Terrorists on Christmas Day.
The politicians, led by the State governor, Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto, visited the ground zero to also commiserate with the families of the victims.
Governor Aliyu, accompanied by APC leader, Senator Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, braved the challenging terrain to join the community for the funeral prayers for the victims.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, Governor Aliyu expressed condolences to the community and attributed the tragedy to divine destiny.
“The military jets were on a mission to eliminate armed criminal groups terrorising the state but mistakenly bombed innocent residents of this community,” he stated. “We consider this a mistake, as the military has successfully neutralised many criminal hideouts in the state in the past.”
The governor assured the community that a thorough investigation would be conducted to uncover the cause of the mistake and prevent future occurrences. He also prayed for Allah’s forgiveness for the deceased and strength for their families.
In addition, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Muhammad Bello Sifawa, announced a donation of N20million and 100 bags of assorted food items to the families of the victims.
He also assured the public that the state government would cover the medical bills of those injured in the airstrikes.
According to the chairman of Silame local government area, Abubakar Gitta Rana, the military airstrikes occurred at about 6am on the fateful day when two military fighter jets erroneously dropped bombs in the village. The strikes resulted in the deaths of 10 villagers and numerous livestock.
Recall that the Joint Task Force North-West Operation Fansan Yamma has refuted reports alleging that a military jet targeted civilian structures in Silame local government area of Sokoto state.
Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre in a statement on Sunday, claimed: “the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken.”
Meanwhile, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has expressed shock and condemned the tragic airstrikes that resulted in numerous casualties, leaving many dead and injured.
In a statement released to journalists, Senator Tambuwal extended his deepest sympathies to the grieving families who have lost loved ones in the unfortunate incident. He also expressed heartfelt commiserations to the injured and pledged solidarity with the people of Silame LGA during this difficult time.
“This tragedy has not only robbed families of their loved ones but also caused immense suffering in these communities. The victims of this airstrike were innocent, hardworking citizens with no involvement in criminal activities. It is deeply upsetting that they should bear the brunt of such a tragic mistake.”
The Senator further expressed his condolences to the government and people of Sokoto State, and called on the relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the incident and ensure that justice was served for the victims and their families.
