Sokoto accidental bombing: Military blames villagers as ex-gov, others demand probe

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has warned civilians harbouring suspected criminals to desist from such acts or face the consequences of their actions.

He stated this during his visit to the troops of Operation FASAN YANMA at 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto.

The CDS said this in response to the Christmas day bombing of civilians in two communities in the Silame Local Government by the Nigerian Air Force.

An airstrike, intended to neutralise Lakurawa terrorists, mistakenly hit Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities, killing at least 10 villagers and leaving several others wounded.

However, Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Sokoto governor, Aminu Tambuwal, have called for an impartial investigation into the incident.

But speaking to journalists on the accidental bombing, Musa hinted that the villagers were to blame for allegedly harbouring terrorists, insisting that the military would not take any responsibility for attacks on any community hobnobbing with the militants.

He stated, “I want to call on everyone not to harbour any suspected criminals in their midst, be it Lakurawa or Bandits, they should expose them and leave their vicinity.