Nigerian authorities in northwest Sokoto state launched a probe Thursday into a Christmas Day airstrike by the military that killed at least 10 people.
Sokoto Governor Ahmed Aliyu said in a statement he’s in talks with the Nigerian Army to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the airstrike on early Wednesday.
The military said in a statement Wednesday it was targeting the terror group Lakurawa in the villages of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, but Aliyu said the attack “claimed the lives of innocent citizens.” State authorities said 10 people were killed and many others injured.
Aliyu extended his condolences to the victims’ families and pledged to support them with cash and food.
The incident is the latest in a series of accidental strikes in recent years, raising concerns among human rights groups, including Amnesty International.
“This is yet another sign that the Nigerian military has not changed, and they have not learned a lesson from previous airstrikes that killed civilians,” said Isa Sanusi, Amnesty’s country director in Nigeria. “I believe that they have to review their procedures, they have to investigate these incidents thoroughly, and they have to find a way to end this reckless deadly use of force.
The military said that it did not target civilians and that it took necessary measures to avoid such accidents.
The Nigerian Air Force said it will investigate.
Nigeria has been waging deadly wars against terrorists, armed gangs and separatists for years, but accidents have been recurring.
Last December, a military airstrike that hit Tudun Biri village in northern Kaduna state killed more than 120 people.
In September, another airstrike in Kaduna killed 24 people.
Nigerian authorities have promised to be more cautious, but in a Christmas broadcast, Nigerian Air Staff Chief Hassan Abubakar said, “To every member of the Nigerian Air Force family, I want to especially thank you for your unwavering dedication, resilience and sacrifice in service of our great nation. Your commitment and professionalism have been instrumental in ensuring the security and stability of our beloved country.”
In November, Nigerian authorities announced the emergence of the Lakurawa sect in the northwest and said security forces were tracking the group’s activities.
By Timothy Obiezu @VoN
