The tragic aftermath of a military airstrike in Tungar Kara, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, has sparked outrage and renewed calls for accountability. The strike, conducted by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on Saturday, reportedly aimed at bandit hideouts, inadvertently killed at least 20 civilians, including local vigilantes and residents.
The Northern Star Youth Empowerment Initiative (NSYEI), a prominent advocacy group for good governance in Northern Nigeria, has condemned the incident as yet another example of unprofessional military operations that cost innocent lives. Speaking to reporters in Kaduna on Sunday, NSYEI’s Director-General, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, decried the killings, saying, “The Nigerian Air Force seems to have carved an image for itself as more specialized in killing innocent civilians than in neutralizing marauding bandits.”
A Tragic Pattern
This latest incident is not an isolated case. Dr. Idris highlighted similar tragedies, including an airstrike in Sokoto State’s Silame Local Government Area last month, where civilians were also killed under comparable circumstances. “In Kaduna State last year, civilians met the same fate, and countless such incidents have occurred in the Northeast during the fight against terrorism,” he added.
These repeated cases have cast a shadow over military operations in Northern Nigeria, where communities often find themselves caught between the violence of bandits and the unintended consequences of counterinsurgency measures.
Calls for Accountability
The NSYEI reiterated its demand for an independent investigation into the Zamfara incident, accusing the military of evading scrutiny in similar past occurrences. “After the Sokoto airstrike, we called for an independent probe to determine the root cause, punish the culprits, and compensate the victims,” Dr. Idris noted. “Unfortunately, our calls were ignored, and now the same tragic scenario has played out again.”
Dr. Idris criticized the lack of transparency and accountability in military operations, warning that without systemic reforms, innocent lives will continue to be lost. “Until military authorities allow for transparency and accountability, these needless killings will persist,” he said.
The Tungar Kara Incident
Eyewitness accounts from Tungar Kara describe a scene of chaos and devastation. Local vigilantes, who had been instrumental in protecting the community from bandit attacks, were among those killed. Residents also suffered severe injuries, with many struggling to access medical assistance in the aftermath.
Efforts to confirm the exact number of casualties remain ongoing, as some reports suggest the toll could rise. A resident who survived the incident lamented, “We have always supported the military’s efforts to fight bandits, but this is heartbreaking. We lost our protectors and neighbors in a single blow.”
Demanding a New Approach
The Northern group has called for an overhaul of military operations, particularly the conduct of the Nigerian Air Force. “We condemn the unprofessional conduct of the Air Force that led to the senseless killing of civilians in Zamfara State. This must not be swept under the carpet like similar incidents in the past,” Dr. Idris declared.
The group’s demands include an independent probe to identify and hold those responsible accountable, compensation for the victims and their families, and reforms in military protocols to prevent further civilian casualties.
Mixed Reactions
The airstrike has drawn widespread criticism across Northern Nigeria, with citizens and advocacy groups echoing NSYEI’s demands for justice. A social commentator, Musa Garba, questioned the military’s intelligence and planning. “If the military cannot distinguish between bandits and civilians, then what hope is there for the people living in these areas?” he asked.
On the other hand, some defense analysts have cautioned against jumping to conclusions, emphasizing the challenges faced by security forces in combating highly mobile and entrenched bandit networks. “While civilian casualties are tragic, it’s essential to investigate the circumstances thoroughly before assigning blame,” one analyst suggested.
The Larger Crisis
The Zamfara airstrike highlights the broader security crisis in Nigeria, where banditry, insurgency, and communal violence have left thousands dead and displaced millions. The military has often faced criticism for its handling of these issues, with accusations ranging from inefficiency to human rights violations.
Dr. Idris warned that the lack of accountability could erode public trust in the military. “How can communities support counterinsurgency efforts when they fear the very forces meant to protect them?” he asked.
