The Federal Government has vowed to investigate the accidental bombing in Sokoto State, which tragically took the lives of at least 10 people. The incident occurred in Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa villages in Silame Local Government Area during a military airstrike targeting terrorists.

Speaking during a condolence visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto, the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, described the incident as unfortunate. He assured that a thorough probe would reveal what went wrong and promised that justice would be served.

According to Matawalle, President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned about the tragic event and sent him to extend his condolences to the affected communities. Matawalle explained that such incidents occur when wrong information is provided during military operations.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu called on the military to enhance its surveillance and intelligence gathering to prevent similar accidents in the future. While expressing sadness over the loss of lives, he commended the military and other security forces for their dedication to securing the state.

Governor Aliyu also appreciated President Tinubu for his concern and swift response to the incident.

The Defence Headquarters clarified that the deaths were caused by secondary explosions resulting from the airstrike. Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, explained that the airstrike targeted a terrorist logistics base storing weapons and ammunition.

“When the target was hit, it triggered a secondary explosion, causing unintended casualties,” Buba stated. He emphasized that the direct target of the airstrike was the Lakurawa terrorist group, many of whom were neutralized in the operation.

The Sokoto bombing has raised concerns about the need for better precision in military operations to avoid civilian casualties. The government’s commitment to a thorough investigation and President Tinubu’s personal involvement highlight the seriousness of the matter.

This tragic event serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between combating terrorism and protecting innocent lives in conflict zones.