More reactions trail bombing of civilians in Zamfara

More reactions have trailed the killing of 16 vigilante members in Zamfara in an accidental bombing by Nigerian Air Force operatives.

Reacting to the incident, the President of the Arewa Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shetima, lamented the action and urged a swift investigation.

He said: “The recent reports of an airstrike in Tungar Kara, Zamfara State, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least sixteen civilians, evoke a profound sense of sorrow and concern. This incident, allegedly a mistaken attack by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and local residents, highlights the devastating consequences of collateral damage in counter-insurgency operations and underscores the urgent need for improved precision and accountability.

“Our immediate reaction to such news is one of deep sympathy for the victims and their families. The loss of life, particularly in such a seemingly accidental manner, is undeniably heartbreaking. The ZCPG, while a local vigilante group, is comprised of individuals attempting to protect their communities from armed violence.

“The fact that these civilians, actively working to maintain some semblance of order, became casualties of the very forces intended to bring security is particularly tragic. It raises serious questions about the efficacy and targeting procedures of the NAF’s operations.

“The lack of precise intelligence leading to such a devastating error is deeply troubling and demands thorough investigation. The incident also raises broader concerns about the ongoing conflict in Zamfara State and the strategies employed to combat it.

“The use of air power, while potentially effective in neutralising insurgents, necessitates meticulous planning and execution to minimise civilian casualties. If a high-precision strike is unattainable due to limitations in technology or intelligence, then alternative strategies must be considered to prevent such avoidable tragedies.

“The Nigerian government has a responsibility to its citizens to ensure that all military operations are conducted with the utmost care and that every effort is made to avoid harm to innocent civilians.”

Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has dispatched a fact-finding team to Zamfara to fully investigate the incident and provide a detailed report for further action.

The team, led by Air Vice Marshal Edward K. Gabkwet, Director of Coordination and Cooperation (DCC) in the Civil-Military Relations Branch of NAF Headquarters, will liaise and interface with state and local government officials as well as all other critical stakeholders, for a holistic assessment of the situation with a view to driving the appropriate response.

According to Air Force spokesman, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, “CAS wishes to reiterate the NAF’s commitment to the highest level of professionalism and transparency in the conduct of operations, in line with appropriate global standards.

“Our absolute value for the life and well-being of every Nigerian remains an integral part of the ethos of the Service, as we sustain the effort to defeat all threats to our nation’s peace, security, and prosperity.

“Mindful also of the need to maintain public trust, which is germane to our operational effectiveness, we enjoin all stakeholders to rest assured that the NAF will continue to refine its operational procedures to ensure mission accomplishment while protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure.”