NAF Accidental Airstrike Kills Family of 6 in Katsina
A devastating airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has tragically claimed the lives of seven civilians in Yauni community, Zakka ward of Safana Local Government Area, Katsina State. Among the victims were six members of a single family, and another woman sustained injuries.
The incident took place on Saturday and followed a violent clash between security forces and armed bandits. The clash was reportedly connected to the local government elections that were held on the same day.
A local resident, speaking on the condition of anonymity, shared details of the situation, saying the bandits had planned to attack voters in Zakka village. In response, security forces launched an operation based on intelligence reports to thwart the attack. This led to a fierce exchange of gunfire between the two sides.
Unfortunately, during the firefight, a police officer and a Community Watch Corps (CWC) operative were killed on the spot, while a third police officer, who was injured, later succumbed to his wounds.
In what appeared to be an attempt to support the operation, a military fighter jet was deployed. However, instead of targeting the armed bandits, the jet mistakenly dropped a bomb on Yauni community, which is located south of Zakka village. This tragic error resulted in the deaths of six family members, while one woman was injured in the blast.
This incident adds to a troubling history of accidental airstrikes in Katsina State, as this is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred. In July 2022, a similar mistake by a military jet led to the deaths of at least two people in Kunkunni village, also within Safana Local Government Area.
As of now, efforts to obtain official statements from the police or the military regarding Saturday’s airstrike have been unsuccessful. The community and the families affected by this tragic incident are left grappling with the heavy loss.
