Death of Civilians in Sokoto Airstrike One Mistake Too Many — ACF
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), the apex northern sociocultural group, has strongly condemned the Christmas Day bombing in Sokoto State that led to the deaths of ten civilians. The bombing, which targeted terrorists in Silame Local Government Area, is described by the ACF as “one mistake too many.”
The airstrikes were aimed at Lakurawa terrorist groups, but civilian casualties were reported due to secondary explosions following the strikes. Military authorities, including Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, explained that the airstrike hit the terrorists’ logistic base, which then caused secondary explosions, leading to civilian deaths and injuries.
In a statement by ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the group expressed deep concern over the incident, highlighting that this tragedy is part of a disturbing pattern of similar attacks, such as the previous year’s incident in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, and others in Adamawa and Nasarawa states. ACF emphasized that such mistakes, with devastating human costs, are unacceptable.
The ACF reiterated its support for the military’s fight against terrorism but criticized the military’s response to the attack, particularly calling the statement about the attack being a “planned target” insensitive. They also noted the growing trend of attacks that affect innocent civilians, urging that such incidents be thoroughly investigated.
The forum extended its condolences to the families affected by the tragedy in Silame, as well as to the Sokoto State Government, and called for the federal government and the military high command to conduct a detailed investigation into the incident. ACF also called for compensation for the victims, in line with Islamic legal principles, and for Sokoto State to assist the community in rebuilding their lives.
Additionally, the ACF urged humanitarian organizations, well-to-do individuals, and the public to extend support to the Silame community and ensure that no relief materials are misappropriated by unscrupulous elements, as has happened in previous disasters. They also demanded that any promises made to the community be swiftly fulfilled.
The ACF’s statement concluded with a firm call for accountability and concrete actions to prevent such tragic and avoidable incidents in the future.
