Sokoto Airstrike: We’ll investigate causes, ensure justice — Matawalle

The  Federal Government says it will conduct a thorough investigation into Wednesday’s accidental bombing that killed 10 people in  Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa villages of Silame Local Government Area.

The Minister of State, Defence, Bello Matawalle, gave this indication while on a condolence visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu in Sokoto. 

He described what happened in the two villages as very unfortunate, and assured that thorough  investigations would be conducted with a view to finding out what really happened,adding  that  justice would be done on the matter. 

“Mr President is worried by the unfortunate incident and he asked me to come and condole you over what happened,”he said.

The minister also added that at the times the military air strikes hit wrong locations due to the wrong information they may have been given while carrying out operations. 

He, however, said that security reports had confirmed that the area where the incident happened was being dominated by the Lakurawa bandits. 

He lamented the way and manner  Nigeria has been placed  on red alert on terrorism, and reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to make the country safe. 

The Minister extolled  the commitment of Governor Ahmed Aliyu on the fight against banditry and other criminal activities in the state. 

According to him, Aliyu was the only Governor who willingly requested for a military base in his state, and reassured the Governor of the military’s support to make Sokoto state safe. 

“We would continue to provide all the necessary equipment and gadgets to Sokoto state,” he assured. 

The Minister also made a personal donation of N10 million to the families of those killed and those receiving treatment at the hospital as a result of the injuries they sustained sequel to the obnoxious  bombings. 

Responding, Governor Aliyu called on the military to improve on their information gathering and surveillance so as to avoid hitting the wrong targets. 

He commended the military and other security agencies for their commitment in  making the state safe. 

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for the concern he has shown over the accidental bombing of the two villages in the state. 

Gov Aliyu also thanked him for his support to the state in the fight against banditry n the state. 

The Governor, according to a statement by  Abubakar Bawa, his press secretary, also described the accidental bombing on the innocent souls as something destined to happen and prayed to the  Almighty Allah to prevent its recurrence.