Nigerian govt to probe bombing of civilians in Sokoto

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, said on Saturday the Federal Government would undertake a comprehensive investigation into the air strike that led to the death of 10 people in Sokoto State.

The victims were killed on Wednesday when a military jet targeting the Lakurawa terrorists mistakenly dropped bombs on residents of Gidan Bisa and Gidan Ruutuwa villages in the Silame local government area of the state.

The minister, according to a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Sokoto State Governor, Abubakar Bawa, gave the assurance when he paid a condolence visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu in the Government House in Sokoto.

Matawalle lamented that terrorists were infringing on the peace of Nigerians but assured that the federal government would deal with them decisively.

He commended Aliyu’s commitment to the fight against banditry and other criminal activities in Sokoto State.

READ ALSO: Sokoto: Nigeria’s defence spokesman claims 10 civilians died from secondary explosions

The minister added that Aliyu is the only governor in Nigeria who requested the establishment of a military base in his state.

He said: “We would 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.”

The minister blamed the incident on the wrong information available to the military for the operations.

He, however, said security reports had confirmed that the area where the incident happened was being dominated by the Lakurawa bandits.

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now