The Nigerian Air Force on Wednesday donated cash assistance and other relief materials as support to victims of the 2024 accidental airstrike in Sokoto.

Military troops had, on December 25, 2024, in a coordinated joint operation by Operation Fansan Yamma to destroy the Lakurawa terrorist group in their hideouts, but mistakenly bombed innocent civilians.

The operation, targeted at the terrorists’ hideouts in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame LGAs. 

At least 13 innocent civilians were reported killed and several others wounded.

Chief of Air Staff, Sunday Aneke, represented by the chief of civil-military relations, Edward Gabkwet, presented the donation to Governor Ahmad Aliyu and the chairman of Silame LGA, Lawalli Gittarana.

Mr Aneke described the incident as unfortunate and sympathised with the victims’ relatives and the state government.

He added that a team had already visited Sokoto earlier for the same mission, as well as a fact-finding team that investigated the bombing.

He said NAF had taken responsibility for compensating livestock and farmland, along with other incentives, to ameliorate the suffering associated with the unforeseen incident.

“The incident was not intentional. It was a mistake that happened during an operation targeting criminal elements in the area on a quite calculated plan,” Mr Aneke said.

The NAF chief promised further strategic activities to rid the area of terrorists, bandits, and kidnappers, and enjoined the communities to support military actions to ensure hitch-free exercises.

Mr Aneke reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to maintaining high standards of civilian harm mitigation, stating that every operation was guided by strict rules of engagement to prevent harm to non-combatants.

Mr Aneke commended the Sokoto governor for facilitating the engagement between NAF and the victims’ families, adding that the service would continue to work with the state government to sustain peace and security in the region.

Mr Aliyu said the Sokoto government had earlier supported the victims with N20 million, medical care, and logistics immediately after the incident.

The governor announced another donation of N35 million to the victims and the families of the deceased, commending the NAF for its efforts to cushion the effects of the incident on citizens.

 (NAN)