In a heartbreaking tragedy, an aerial bombing that struck communities in Sokoto State has ignited widespread outrage and calls for justice. A northern youth advocacy group, the Northern Star Initiative, is urging the federal government to launch an independent investigation into the incident that left at least ten innocent civilians dead and caused widespread destruction.
The bombing, which occurred in the Gidan Bida and Runtawa communities within Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto, has drawn a divided response. While military authorities maintain that the attack was part of an ongoing operation against insurgents, the villagers, along with local officials, have vehemently disputed this narrative. According to them, the bombings targeted peaceful communities, resulting in senseless loss of life and property.
Speaking from Kaduna, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, the Director General of the Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative, condemned the attack and called for an urgent independent investigation to ascertain the true circumstances of the bombing.
“Although there are conflicting accounts of what actually happened, the undeniable truth is that innocent civilians died, and their homes were destroyed,” Dr. Idris said in a statement issued on Friday. “It is absolutely crucial that we get to the bottom of this incident, not only to uncover the truth but also to prevent further loss of innocent lives in the future.”
The Northern Star Initiative, which advocates for the welfare of northern youths, is particularly concerned about the rising number of such incidents. Dr. Idris highlighted a similar bombing last year in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, during the peaceful celebration of Eid-el-Maulud. In that case, military authorities also cited “errors” during operations, which resulted in civilian casualties.
“The pattern of these ‘errors’ is becoming too frequent, and the toll on human lives is devastating,” he lamented. “Enough is enough. These incidents cannot be brushed aside as collateral damage. They have real, lasting consequences on the lives of ordinary citizens.”
Dr. Idris further stressed that this bombing was not an isolated incident but part of a broader issue of military operations resulting in civilian casualties. He emphasized that the federal government must take immediate action to hold those responsible accountable.
“We are not just asking for an explanation; we are demanding justice,” he stated. “An independent, high-level investigation should be launched immediately. Those found responsible for this tragedy must face the consequences, and adequate compensation should be provided to the families of the victims.”
The Sokoto bombing has raised concerns about the increasing reliance on airstrikes and military operations in conflict zones across northern Nigeria. While the Nigerian military has insisted that its operations are designed to combat insurgents and secure civilian populations, critics argue that the use of aerial bombardments often leads to civilian casualties, with little regard for collateral damage.
The Sokoto State government has also expressed its concern over the bombing. In a statement released shortly after the attack, the state government called for a thorough investigation and urged the military to be more cautious in its operations to avoid further harm to innocent communities. However, local officials in Sokoto have pointed out that such incidents have been occurring far too often, leading to a growing mistrust of military operations in the region.
This latest bombing comes at a time when the northern region is already grappling with security challenges, including the activities of insurgent groups and bandits. The use of aerial bombardments has been a contentious issue, with many arguing that they exacerbate tensions and sow fear among local communities.
Dr. Idris, in his statement, also reminded the federal government of the urgent need for accountability and transparency in military operations. “The government must prioritize the safety and well-being of its citizens above all else. The military’s primary responsibility is to protect the people, not to put their lives in jeopardy,” he said.
The call for an independent investigation is supported by various human rights groups and local leaders who have decried the growing pattern of military operations resulting in civilian casualties. These groups are demanding that the government take immediate steps to prevent further tragedies and ensure that those responsible for bombing civilian communities are held accountable.
“We cannot continue to allow these senseless attacks to occur without any form of accountability,” said Amina Mohammed, a human rights advocate in Sokoto. “Every life lost in these bombings is a tragedy, and the people responsible must face justice.”
The bombing has also attracted attention from international bodies and foreign diplomats, who have expressed concern over the escalating violence in northern Nigeria. While international actors have urged the Nigerian government to prioritize the protection of civilians, the government has remained firm in its stance on military operations, citing the need to combat insurgency and ensure national security.
As the public outcry continues to grow, the call for an independent investigation remains central to the debate. The Northern Star Initiative’s demand for justice is gaining traction, and many Nigerians are rallying behind the group’s call for transparency and accountability.
