A Nigerian military airstrike has reportedly killed nearly a dozen innocent civilians and injured many others in the communities of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, Sokoto State. The incident, which has drawn widespread condemnation, is the latest in a series of tragedies linked to military operations in the region.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, in a statement released on his official X handle, described the attack as a “gross violation of humanity” and called for urgent reforms in military precision and intelligence.
Atiku drew attention to a similar incident on December 3, 2023, in Tudun Biri near Kaduna, where an airstrike on a religious gathering resulted in the loss of numerous innocent lives. He questioned, “How many more lives must be lost before we take action?”
While acknowledging the importance of targeting terrorists, Atiku emphasized the need for operations to be conducted with precision and based on irrefutable intelligence. He warned that the indiscriminate killing of civilians undermines trust in the military and sows division in communities already grappling with insecurity.
“The indiscriminate killing of innocent citizens—our brothers, sisters, and neighbors—can never be justified. It is not only a failure but a gross violation of humanity itself,” Atiku stated.
The former vice president also extended his condolences to the affected families in Sokoto, expressing solidarity with the grieving communities. He called for an end to what he described as a tragic cycle of preventable deaths, urging the government and military to ensure that every life is valued and protected.
This incident has reignited concerns over the Nigerian military’s counterterrorism strategies and raised questions about accountability in operations that result in civilian casualties.
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The airstrike in Sokoto is one of several recent cases where military actions have inadvertently caused harm to civilians. Critics argue that such incidents erode public trust and hinder collaborative efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency.
As the nation mourns the loss of lives, the call for greater precision in military operations and an emphasis on safeguarding civilians grows louder.
