The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has issued a stern warning to civilians harboring suspected criminals, urging them to desist from such acts or face the consequences. His statement came during a visit to the troops of Operation FASAN YANMA at the 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto.
General Musa’s comments were prompted by the tragic airstrike on Christmas Day, which mistakenly targeted civilian communities in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State. The airstrike, originally intended to neutralize the Lakurawa terrorist group, hit the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 villagers and leaving several others wounded.
In response to the incident, General Musa suggested that the villagers were complicit in harboring terrorists, stating, “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, and we are coming for the rest.”
He emphasized that individuals who harbor criminals make themselves “legitimate targets” for military operations, urging the public to avoid associating with terrorists in any capacity.
Despite the military’s response, there have been calls for a full and impartial investigation into the incident. Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, alongside former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-governor Aminu Tambuwal, condemned the attack and called for an inquiry.
Governor Aliyu visited the affected communities to offer condolences and assess the damage. He announced a donation of N20 million and 100 bags of assorted food items to support the victims’ families. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that over 10 civilians were killed in the bombing, which was caused by an unintended misfire from a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet.
Governor Aliyu expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, describing the attack as “heartbreaking” and “avoidable.” He reassured the public that the state government is in constant communication with the Nigerian Army to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident. “As your governor, I am deeply saddened by this avoidable loss of life. We pray for the swift recovery of those injured,” he said.
The incident also attracted condemnation from the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, who described the airstrike as “devastating” and “outrageous.” Atiku stressed the need for precise military operations, saying, “The indiscriminate killing of innocent citizens can never be justified. It is a failure and a gross violation of humanity.”
Similarly, former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal expressed his shock and sympathy, condemning the airstrike as a tragic mistake. He called for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances that led to the civilian casualties, emphasizing the importance of conducting military operations with “care, precision, and accountability.” Tambuwal urged all stakeholders to prioritize the safety of citizens and work towards preventing future tragedies.
Meanwhile, General Musa, speaking to troops at the Operation FASAN YANMA headquarters, expressed gratitude for their sacrifices in ensuring national security. He reassured the troops of continued support, pledging the necessary resources for their operations. Musa encouraged the military to stay committed, stating, “Together, we must strive to ensure that the Year 2025 is marked by transformative victories in all our operational theatres.”
As the investigation continues, the tragic incident has reignited concerns over the conduct of military operations and the need for greater care to protect innocent civilians.
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