ACF condemns Sokoto bombing, urges FG to compensate affected families

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned the death of victims of the military bombing that killed no fewer than 10 persons and injured others on December 25, 2024, in Silame Local Council of Sokoto State.

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, visited the communities and took part in the obsequies for the victims. He condoled with the community while reassuring the injured of prompt medical attention on the government’s bill .

In a statement, yesterday, by the National Publicity Secretary, Prof Tukur Muhammed-Baba, the ACF commended the state government for the prompt response and called on those concerned to double up efforts to see that the governor’s promises were carried out without delay.

He said, “ACF is deeply troubled and saddened by the Silame incident, as one tragedy too many in the country. This was not an isolated incident, as similar attacks on Tudun Biri community, Kaduna State, about a year ago, and earlier in Adamawa and Nasarawa states remain fresh in the memory.”

Muhammed-Baba explained that the forum “remains unequivocally supportive of our military and other security forces in their determination to stamp out terrorism and all forms of criminality in Nigeria”, pointing out that “none should be in doubt about such support, and ACF calls on all patriotic Nigerians to extend the same support to the security forces.”

ACF added, “It is just unacceptable that terrorists and criminal elements of all hues should not be allowed to hold the nation to ransom through their anti-people activities.

“The bland response of a military spokesperson insisting that the attack was on a planned target was most insensitive. ACF recalls that the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) had initially attempted to wish away the Tudun Biri tragedy, only to later admit it as a mistake, as indeed proved so by its internal investigations. It is not clear if indeed those responsible for Tudun Biri had been punished as ought to have been.”

He insisted that “compensation be paid for those who suffered death and injuries in line with Islamic legal principles and injunctions” in the community.

“Sokoto State Government should insist that the right things, as called for here, are done. The government should also extend further assistance to the members of the community, as they embark on rebuilding their lives and livelihoods,” ACF said.

The northern socio-cultural group also called on humanitarian and relief organisations, well-to-do individuals and other members of the public to extend support and relief to the people of Silame in their hour of need after the tragedy.

Muhammed-Baba stressed, “As it did with Tudun Biri, ACF recommends that all promises made or to be made to the Silame community and victims of the attack, in particular, be fulfilled in the shortest time possible. Corrupt, unscrupulous or unsympathetic elements must not be allowed any room to selfishly corner any relief material meant for the victims, as has sadly become usual in the aftermath of disasters. No one should be allowed to benefit from the misery of the victims of the bomb blast.”