From Ibrahim Goronyo, Gusau and Yahaya Umar, Abuja
No fewer than 16 people were killed in Tungar Kara community under Gidan Goga district of Maradun Local Government Area, Zamfara State, as Nigerian Air Force, NAF, mistakenly boned members of Zamfara Community Protection Guard, ZCPG, and other residents.
The tragedy which occured last Saturday followed similar incident that residents in the villages of Gidan Sama and Rintuwa in Surame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, on December 26, 2024.
In December 2023, a Nigerian military airstrike mistook a Muslim religious gathering for bandits in the Tudun Biri community Kaduna State, killing at least 85 people, mostly women, and children.
In January 2017, at least 112 people were killed when a fighter jet struck a camp housing 40,000 people displaced by Terrorists violence in the town of Rann, Borno State, near Nigeria’s border with Cameroon.
According to eyewitnesses,
the latest incident occurred shortly after armed bandits raided the area and fled before local vigilantes and residents, who were defending their community against bandits were caught in the airstrike.
As at press time the NAF has not commented on the Zamfara 16 killed in the airstrike.
However, NAF yesterday said that air strikes and synchronised ground assaults have killed scores of bandits, leaving many others gravely wounded in Bello Turji’s stronghold at Fakai Hills in Zamfara.
This is contained in a statement by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, in Abuja.
Akinboyewa, said the assault, conducted under Operation Fansan Yamma, on Friday, underscored the unwavering resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to restore peace and security to the region.
He said that local intelligence reports confirmed that the bandits, loyal to notorious leader Kachallah Bello Turji, suffered heavy casualties.
According to him, scores of bandits were neutralised, while many others, including some top commanders, sustained varying degrees of injuries.
“Sequel to the fierce engagement, Kachallah Turji’s whereabouts remain unknown, adding further pressure on his crumbling network.
“The operation was meticulously executed, with real-time coordination from an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platform overhead, ensuring accurate target correlation.
“The identified targets were swiftly engaged using rockets and cannons in multiple passes, delivering devastating blows to the enemy.
“The aircrew maintained visual and radio contact with the ground troops.
“The bandits, in a desperate bid to escape, were observed fleeing eastward of the hill, prompting further engagements that successfully neutralized additional targets”, he said.
The NAF spokesman said that the resounding success had been met with widespread celebrations from locals in Zamfara, who expressed relief and gratitude for the operation’s positive impact.
He added that several kidnapped victims were also freed, bringing hope to many families affected by the banditry.
“The NAF has reiterated its unwavering commitment to coordinating with ground forces to eradicate all forms of criminality in the country.
“Together, we will defeat all enemies militating against the security of our territories and wellbeing of our people, paving the way for the peace and prosperity of our Great Nation,”, he added.
Meanwhile, Zamfara State Chapter of the APC has commiserated with government and people of the state on the accidental airstrike, leading to death of innocent people at Tungar Kara, kakindawa village, Gidan Goga District, Maradun local government area.
In a statement in Gusau, yesterday, the State APC Publicity Secretary, Mr Yusuf Idris described the incident as unfortunate.
“The Zamfara APC Chairman, Alhaji Tukur Danfulani wishes to extend heartfelt condolences to the government and people of the state over the accidental airstrike on Saturday, Dec. 11″.
Idris, further described the incident as sad as it led to the death of innocent people, including some personnel of the state’s Community Protection Guard and Vigilantes.
“We mourn the gallant sacrifices of our people who paid the supreme price while chasing bandits who have made life unbearable to them.
“We pray to Allah to accept their martyrdom and accommodate them in Jannah and give their families, the fortitude to bear this irreplaceable loss”.
He said the leadership of the party in the state also commended President Bola Tinubu for showing commitments to end banditry in Zamfara and the North-West zone.
“We laud the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle for ensuring that no stone was left unturned in the fight against insecurity in the North-West zone.
“We also appreciate the ongoing onslaught against bandits in Zamfara that saw to the elimination of many criminals.
“We are happy with the ongoing efforts by Operation Fansar Yamma that led to killing of over 25 terrorists at their hideouts, under the control of notorious bandit’s kingpin, Bello Turji in Fakai community in Shinkafi council.
“It is quite impressive that troops of Fasan Yamma are taking the fights now to the bandits’ hideouts, making them flee from the areas.
“This operational strategy should be sustained and supported by all peace loving citizens”.
NIS Confirms 4 Dead In Suspected Terrorist Attack On Kebbi Facility
Nigeria Immigration Service, NIS, has confirmed the deaths of four individuals following an attack by suspected terrorists on its facilities at the Kangiwa border, Kebbi State.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Service Public Relations Officer, SPRO, Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, DCI, Kenneth Udo, yesterday, in Abuja.
Udo, said that the attack occurred around 19:20 hours on Friday, Jan. 10, resulting in the deaths of a local watchman and three contractors.
He, however, extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured the public that efforts were underway, in collaboration with sister agencies, to track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.
He also reiterated the NIS’s unwavering resolve to continue its core mandate of securing the nation’s borders and enhancing national security.
“The service regrets to announce a recent attack by a suspected terrorist group on our facilities and contractors on site, at the Kangiwa border in Kangiwa Local Government Area of Kebbi State.
“The attack led to the death of four persons, including a local watchman and three contractors.
“We also recorded substantial damages on our security facilities. No immigration officers were killed during the attack.
“We send our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased. We are actively working alongside our sister agencies to identify and apprehend those responsible for these heinous acts and bring them to justice.
“The service remains resolute and undeterred in carrying on with its core mandate of border security in tandem with the goal of securing the nation”, he said. NAN
