International rights organisation, Amnesty International, has accused the military of trying to cover-up the killing of citizens in Sokoto communities.
The military had on December 25 carried out operations targeting the Lakurawa terrorists in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
The operations, however , led to the death of no fewer than 10 citizens.
On Friday , the Defence Headquarters said the citizens were killed by secondary explosion from the logistic base of the Lakurawa terrorist group.
Despite this, Vice President Kashim Shettima tendered an apology to the families of victims affected by the incident.
The Sokoto incident brings the total of citizens killed by accidental strikes in the country to 436 in the last eight years.
In 2023, three cases were recorded.
The first occurred in Niger State on January 24 when a NAF aircraft in Galadima Kogo, Shiroro Local Government Area of the state was said to have killed dozens of vigilantes and residents in error. The incident, according to the state government, rendered over 8,000 residents homeless.
A day after the Niger incident, on January 25, no fewer than 40 herders were killed in Nasarawa State.
On December 3 when a drone operated by the Nigerian Army bombed residents of Tudun Biri in Kaduna State during a religious celebration.
While the government put the casualty figure at 81, Amnesty International claimed 127 villagers were killed in the incident.
At least 64 persons were killed and many injured in an air strike by the NAF on December 19, 2022, at Mutumji Community in the Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
On September 26, 2021, accidental bombing killed no fewer than 20 residents in Borno State.
An air strike killed 10 people in the Buwari community of Yobe State on September 16, 2021.
On April 13, 2020, 17 people, including children, were killed after a NAF fighter jet bombed Sakotoku village in the Damboa LGA of Borno State.
In 2017, the Air Force accidentally bombed an Internally Displaced Persons camp in Rann in Borno State. Doctors Without Borders said the strike killed at least 50 people and wounded 120.
Despite reassurances, of curbing accidental air strikes, they have not stopped.
Speaking in an interview with our correspondent on Sunday on the Sokoto incident, the Country Director, Amnesty International, Isa Sanusi, asked the military to submit details and records relating to the air strike to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to for an independent investigation.
Sanusi said, “Amnesty International condemns what appears to be the desperate attempt by the Nigerian military to cover up the horrific Christmas day air strikes that killed at least 10 people and injured dozens at two communities of Silame LGA of Sokoto State.
“The Nigerian military must hand over all details and records relating to the air strike to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation to pave way for an independent, impartial and resourceful investigation that can lead to justice for the victims, survivors and their families. As a result of the air strike homes and barns were razed depriving the villagers of both shelter and food.”
Sanusi described the defence by the military as a disregard for the lives of those killed as well as the pains the survivors are experiencing.
He said, “In a bizarre disregard for the lives of the victims and pains of the survivors, the military initially insinuated that, the air strike was carried out because the villagers might be habouring Lakurawa insurgents. This was followed by another insinuation that it was bombs planted by Lakurawa insurgents that killed the villagers. This is unacceptable and shows utter disregard for the lives of the villagers killed — mostly while asleep.”
He lamented that the failure of the government to hold the military accountable has emboldened them to carry on with their mishit.
“Air strikes with deadly consequences for civilians are becoming routine and further devastating the lives of rural dwellers who have been living constantly bracing themselves up for the next attack.
“The Nigerian authorities’ persistent failure to hold the military to account is encouraging impunity and increasingly endangering the lives of the civilians the military is supposed to be protecting. The result is that the military is routinely carrying out air strikes that end up killing civilians,” he stated.
Sanusi, however, called on the President to set up an inquiry to probe the incident and ensure those responsible are brought to book.
He said, “The President Bola Tinubu administration must promptly set up an independent inquiry into Silame LG villages’ air strikes and, where these investigations indicate criminal responsibility, ensure that those suspected to be responsible are brought to justice in fair trials. Victims and their families must be provided with access to justice and effective remedies.”
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
