Zamfara State governor, Dauda Lawal, has received a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fact-finding team dispatched to investigate the recent accident airstrike in the state.

The team is led by Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Coordination and Cooperation in the NAF’s Civil-Military Relations Department.

The meeting took place on Tuesday at the Government House in Gusau, the State Capital. Addressing the governor, Gabkwet assured that the NAF was committed to professionalism and transparency in all its operations.

Military Airstrikes Never Targeted At Civilians – CDS

“We are here to conduct a thorough and objective investigation into the reported incident,” Gabkwet stated.

The visit followed the tragic January 11 military airstrike on the Tungar Kara community in Maradun local government area of the State, which resulted in the unintended deaths of over 16 residents.

Earlier, in a statement issued by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Olusola Akinboyewa, the Air Force reiterated its commitment to uncovering the truth about the incident.

Following their meeting with Governor Lawal, the NAF team proceeded to Tungar Kara to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the situation and its aftermath.

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Tragedy struck in the Tungar Kara community of Gidan Goga district, Maradun local government area of Zamfara State, on Saturday evening, when an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) mistakenly hit members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guards (ZCPG), local vigilantes, and some residents.

The incident left at least 16 people dead, according to eyewitness reports.

Shettima Apologises Over Civilian Fatalities In Sokoto Airstrike 

The airstrike reportedly occurred shortly after armed bandits raided the area and fled. Residents and vigilantes mobilised to defend the community but were caught in the airstrike, which was intended to target the fleeing bandits.

 

Confirming the incident, Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru, the lawmaker representing Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, described the attack as an accident. He explained that the airstrike mistakenly targeted local vigilantes who had organized to counter the bandits. The exact death toll remained unconfirmed.

 

The Nigerian military was yet to release a formal statement addressing the incident. However, earlier on Sunday, the Nigerian Air Force announced the success of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, a coordinated air-ground assault targeting notorious bandit leader, Kachallah Bello Turji at Fakai Hills.

 

In a statement by spokesperson of the Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, emphasised the operation’s success, noting that scores of bandits were neutralised and several kidnapped victims were rescued. The Air Force described the operation as a major step toward restoring peace in Zamfara State.

 

The incident marked the second deadly accidental airstrike on civilians in recent weeks. On December 25, 2024, a Nigerian military airstrike mistakenly targeted two villages in Sokoto State, killing civilians during a raid intended for jihadists.

 

Such tragic errors have occurred in the past. ON Christmas Day in 2024, two communities in Sokoto State suffered the fate. Also, in December 2023, an airstrike in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, mistook a Islamic religious gathering for bandits, killing at least 85 people, mostly women and children. Similarly, in January 2017, a fighter jet struck a camp housing 40,000 displaced persons in Rann, near the Cameroonian border, killing 112 people.

 

LEADERSHIP reports that Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State commended the Nigerian military’s efforts in the renewed onslaught against bandits in Zamfara State even as he expressed deep condolences to the families of civilian casualties affected by the airstrike.

 

NAF, in a successful airstrike over the weekend, decisively targeted bandits attacking villages in Zurmi and Maradun local government areas of the State.

 

In a statement issued on Sunday in Gusau, the spokesperson of the Zamfara State governor, Sulaiman Bala Idris, said the State Government expressed deep condolences to the families of civilian casualties affected by the airstrike at Tungar Kara in Zurmi LGA.

 

The statement clarified that the civilian casualties were members of the local vigilante group, who were mistakenly identified as the bandits fleeing from Gidan Makera in the Boko district of Zurmi LGA.

 

The statement read in part: “We have received multiple positive reports of precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma over the weekend in troubled Maradun and Zurmi local government areas.

 

“This intervention by the military has significantly degraded the operational capacity of the bandits and has shown the commitment of the Nigeria Air Force to carrying out its constitutional mandate of protecting civilians and safeguarding the lives and property of the people.

 

“As a responsible government, we assure all the people of the State that the Government of Zamfara State remains steadfast in its resolve to sustain the gains made in the fight against banditry and related criminalities. The recent success indicates that the collaborative efforts between the state and federal security agencies yield positive results.

“In light of these achievements, the state government reaffirms its commitment to providing all necessary support to the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies to sustain their operations and bring lasting peace to the state.

“We will continue to offer support to enhance intelligence sharing, provide logistics, and strengthen community engagement, all in the spirit of a comprehensive approach to security and achieving the ultimate goal of restoring normalcy across all parts of the state.

“Regrettably, some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) and local vigilantes were also affected during the operation in Tungar Kara, resulting in the loss of lives. We pray to Almighty Allah to grant them Jannah.

“The state government extends its heartfelt condolences to the families of the fallen JTF personnel and assures them that the sacrifices of the deceased will not go in vain. The government will provide necessary support and assistance to the bereaved families.

“Finally, the government calls on people to be vigilant, report all suspicious activities, and cooperate fully with security personnel. Through collective effort and unity of purpose, the fight against banditry can be won, bringing enduring peace and stability to Zamfara State,” the statement said.

A Sokoto State Community Guard Corps operative has reportedly lost his life due to an accidental discharge shortly after participating in a joint operation that rescued 66 kidnap victims in the state.

The operation, led by the Nigerian Army, was conducted on Monday in Tidibali Forest, located in the eastern part of Sokoto State.

Confirming the incident on Wednesday, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Colonel Ahmed Usman (retd.), told The TheNigerian that the tragedy occurred when the operative’s gun was accidentally fired.

Usman said,  “The incident happened shortly after they returned to their base from the operation.

“He was handling his gun when it accidentally discharged and shot him. Unfortunately, he died shortly afterwards.”

Colonel Usman commended the progress of the ongoing operation, which is part of the state government’s efforts to combat banditry and other criminal activities.

“So far, 66 kidnap victims have been rescued, and several bandits have been neutralized during the operation,” he said.

He added that the state government remains committed to eradicating banditry in Sokoto, emphasizing that the operation will continue until the region is free of criminal elements.

The Sokoto State Community Guard Corps has been actively involved in supporting security agencies in tackling insecurity in the state, particularly in remote areas affected by banditry and kidnapping.

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A young woman identified as Ifeoluwa Adekalu has been killed after she was hit by an accidentally discharged bullets from the gun of a policeman in Ado Ekiti, the Ekiti state capital.

The tragic incident occurred at the Okela Police Station in the Ekiti State capital, on Thursday.

The yet-to-be-unveiled police officer, who was on a visit to the station reportedly shot the bullets while in joyous mood as he received the promotion news of one of his colleagues which sadly hit the woman.

 

There was however, confusion over the exact location of the victim said to be a mother of one at the time of the unfortunate shooting.

 

A source told our correspondent that the accidental discharge by the policeman, who was attached to another unit of the State Police Command, hit the victim in front of a saloon located opposite the police station while returning from where she went to pay her accommodation rent.

 

Another report said the woman came to the police station to see her husband who was in detention when the incident occurred.

 

She was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to the injuries from the gunshot.

 

When contacted, the State Police Commissioner, AIG Adewale Adeniran confirmed the incident, he said the officer in question has been disarmed and detained.

 

Adeniran further added that the unnamed officer will face interrogations in line with the Nigerian Police Act.

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.”

The Presidency on Sunday said President Bola Tinubu is prepared for the nation’s highest office and does not belong in the category of accidental leaders.

“He (Tinubu) is not an accidental leader; he is doing his best to ensure that we have a turnaround in this country,” Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, stated in a phone interview with Vanguard Sunday night.

Onanuga was responding to comments by the Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, who said many of Nigeria’s leaders, including President Tinubu, were accidental leaders, who assumed power without adequate preparation in a rapidly evolving world.

 “Does he look like one at all?” Onanuga queried. “The man (Tinubu) is not an accidental leader; he was prepared for this office. He even said that he prepared for it and that he is doing his best to ensure that this country is lifted higher than he met it; he is doing his best.

“Because he prepared himself for the office, he is doing a lot of reform, touching every area and trying to make sure that this country is being turn-around.”

The presidential spokesman argued that Tinubu had shown a reformer’s attitude and, saying “reforms are not done in quick fixes; it takes time for you to turn things around, and he is doing it.”

“He is doing reforms, and he is the first to acknowledge that people will be affected, and he is doing everything possible to ensure that those who are affected are also helped so that they will not be left behind.

“He is reforming a lot of things in Nigeria, you are talking about taxation, you are talking about the oil sector, so many reforms the man is carrying out,” Onanuga insisted.

Kukah had categorised Tinubu among Nigeria’s accidental leaders on Sunday while delivering a keynote address at the inauguration of Start-Rite School’s new building and the 4th Amaka Ndoma-Egba Memorial Lecture in Abuja.

The event commemorated the late school founder, Amaka Ndoma-Egba, wife of former Senate Leader Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, who tragically passed away in an auto accident in 2020.

Reflecting on Nigeria’s leadership trajectory, Kukah said, “If we are to start from the beginning, you will find almost every leader that came to power in Nigeria was a result of one accident or the other. President Tinubu, who said he was prepared for it, is struggling. We are still trying to get off the ground. He took over from Buhari, who had already given up.”

The cleric traced the pattern of unprepared leadership through Nigeria’s history, noting, “Buhari took over from Jonathan, who thought if he finished as deputy governor, he would go somewhere else. But something happened. Jonathan took over from Yar’Adua, who had planned to teach at Ahmadu Bello University after his term as governor. He, in turn, took over from Obasanjo, who was imprisoned and never expected to emerge as a leader. Yet somehow, he found himself out of jail and into power.

“Obasanjo himself took over from Abdulsalami, who succeeded Abacha. Even though the five political parties said he would rule forever, unfortunately, nature took him.

“Abacha took over from Shonekan who was busy with UAC before he was told to come and be Head of State. We can go on and on with this.”

According to Kukah, this cycle of unprepared leadership has persisted, undermining Nigeria’s governance.

“The fundamental thing in governance is knowledge. You need to have a deep understanding of your environment. The world has changed, but the expectations of leadership remain the same,” he added.

The keynote event also featured the Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Buba Marwa (retd.), who stressed the importance of cultivating leadership skills early in life.

Marwa pointed to leadership failure as a root cause of Nigeria’s struggles, including widespread social vices.

He revealed a troubling trend involving visually impaired individuals being co-opted into drug trafficking syndicates.

Sharing a recent operation, Marwa recounted, “We arrested a blind man en route to Kano with a large consignment of cannabis. When questioned, he claimed ignorance of the contents. Investigations led us to two other visually impaired individuals who were also involved. Ultimately, the kingpin behind the operation was discovered to be blind as well.”

While Marwa declined to share further details about the case, he praised the memorial lecture for honouring Amaka Ndoma-Egba’s legacy.

The late Amaka Ndoma-Egba, founder of Start-Rite School, established the institution in 2008 with just seven pupils. Today, it has grown into a leading educational centre with over 800 students across nursery, primary, and secondary levels in Abuja.

Her husband, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, highlighted her passion for empowering young minds, saying, “Amaka was a visionary agent who established this school in response to her dream of ensuring students learn and imbibe the necessary skills to navigate our ever-challenging world.”

The lecture underscored the enduring impact of leadership and education on society, with speakers calling for a renewed focus on knowledge-driven governance in Nigeria.