IN recent weeks, there has been controversy over the latest operations of the Nigeria Air Force in Sokoto State. It was alleged that some innocent citizens were killed and several others injured on Christmas Day last year after a fighter jet targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group mistakenly bombed two communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The incident reportedly affected the villages of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, communities which are situated near the Surame Forest, a notorious hideout of Lakurawa members and other terrorists. However, reacting to the incident, military authorities denied bombing civilians, saying that their operations were precise. A statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, said: “Given the serious nature of these operations, the public is urged to rely on confirmed information to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic. There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry. Importantly, 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.”
Following that denial, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, warned civilians harbouring suspected criminals to desist from such acts or face the consequences. He stated this during his visit to the troops of Operation FASAN YANMA at 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto. He said: “I want to call on everyone not to harbour any suspected criminals in their midst, be it Lakurawa or bandits. They should expose them and leave their vicinity. The military is not going to take it lightly with any criminals disturbing the peace of the nation; we are dealing with them and we are coming for the rest. We have individuals that still harbour them and once you do that, you are making yourself a legitimate target.’’ Referring to the alleged error bombing, he added: “The incident that happened was an operation we did. We follow up and we try as much as we can to avoid any mistakes. If there are mistakes that came up in the operation, we will investigate.”
Stating the Federal Government’s position, however, Vice President Kashim Shettima apologised to the families of the victims affected by the bombing. Shettima said: “We are sorry and dismayed at the civilian casualties incurred and the excruciating pain that ensues in these extremely difficult times. I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the government and people of Sokoto State, particularly the families of those who lost their lives in the coordinated joint operation by the air and land components of Operation Fansan Yamma to eliminate Lakurawa terrorist groups at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area.”
Shettima called for understanding and support for members of the armed forces, saying they often paid the supreme price to protect the lives of those caught in the crossfire. He added that with useful information, the officers would maintain accuracy and precision in fishing out the terrorists from the innocent villagers they were staking their lives to protect. He added that the Bola Tinubu government was “hell-bent on weeding out what is left of terror elements in the country” and would “stop at nothing in ensuring a peaceful Nigeria where farmers work freely in their farms and all Nigerians go about their businesses and other activities without fear of attacks from agents of death.”
This is, to say the very least, a highly sensitive matter, at the heart of which is national security. We sympathise with the families of those who have, at one time or the other, been hapless victims of the bombings targeted at the criminals who had ceaselessly unleashed terror on innocent citizens. No doubt, the battle to save the country from the stranglehold of the outlaws will come at a great price, and it is instructive that the authorities have promised to look at the complaints arising from the recent military operations and act accordingly. The complaints by members of the affected communities in Sokoto State, namely that the military/Air Force bombed innocent villagers while supposedly going after terrorists, should be properly and carefully investigated by the military high command. We recognise that one of the most difficult military operations is to face criminals who have chosen to largely embed themselves in the local population. The military has always stood the risk of losing the confidence and cooperation of the people if enough care is not taken to persuade them that they are not the targets of military operations. We, therefore, expect the leadership of the military to manage this difficult issue with a high level of dexterity in order not to further jeopardise the ongoing military operations to clear off terrorists in the area. This, evidently, will not be an easy undertaking, but we expect the military to follow up on the promise to conduct a proper and deep investigation and avail the public and the leaders of the people in Sokoto State of the findings, and how they will help to streamline military operations going forward.
We urge the people in the affected communities to remain vigilant and work closely with the military and other security agencies to tame the virulent and obnoxious activities of the few who have chosen the path of destruction and heartlessness.
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