The Federal Government has pledged to commence investigation on the airstrikes that killed 10 persons in Sokoto State.
News Rider reports that 10 civilians died on Christmas day when the military launched airstrikes in Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa villages of Silame Local Government Area.
Though the victims were buried on Boxing Day, the airstrike also killed dozens of livestock in the affected villages.
An eyewitnesses had revealed that several food silos and houses were also burnt.
The Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, Abubakar Daftarana informed that the villagers sat outside peacefully when the bombs were dropped on the communities.
He added: "They (victims) were innocent and peace-loving people who had no criminal record.
"It is early for me to confirm the number of people that were either killed or injured because we are still assessing the development."
But at a condolence visit to the Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmed Aliyu, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle promised that the Federal Government will begin investigation on the incident.
The military had claimed that the attack was based on intelligence and that the deceased were Lakurawa terrorists in the state.
A statement by Aliyu’s spokesperson, Abubakar Bawa revealed that a thorough investigation would be conducted.
He promised that justice would prevail, just as he reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment towards the safety of Nigerians.
Matawalle noted that it was unfortunate that terrorists were infringing on the peace of Nigerians, promising to deal with them decisively.
He praised the governor’s commitment in the fight against banditry and other criminal activities, even as he reassured of the military’s support to make Sokoto safe.
"We will continue to provide all the necessary equipment and gadgets to Sokoto State.
"Mr President (Bola Tinubu) is worried by the unfortunate incident and he asked me to come and condole you over what happened," he said.
The minister blamed the airstrikes on the wrong information available to the military for the operations.
He noted that security reports had confirmed that the area where the incident happened was dominated by the Lakurawa bandits.
Governor Aliyu enjoined the military to improve their information gathering and surveillance to avoid hitting the wrong targets.
He commended the military and other security agencies for their commitment in making the state safe and thanked President Tinubu for his concern over the incident.
The governor appreciated the President for his numerous support in the fight against banditry in the state.
Aliyu described the incident as something destined to happen, praying that Almighty Allah will prevent further recurrence.
He noted that the incident was unfortunate, just as he assured that thorough investigations would be conducted with a view to ascertain the crux of the incident.
Similar incidents had occured in Niger, Kaduna and Borno states, leading to heavy civilian casualties.
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