The Nigerian Air Force has donated cash assistance and relief materials to victims of the 2024 accidental airstrike in Sokoto State, as part of efforts to cushion the impact of the incident on affected communities.
The airstrike occurred on December 25, 2024, during a coordinated joint operation by Operation FANSAN YAMMA targeting Lakurawa terrorist hideouts in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities of Silame Local Government Area, where about 13 persons were mistakenly killed and eight others injured.
Presenting the donation, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, represented by the Chief of Civil Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, handed over the support to Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State and the Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, Alhaji Muhammad Gittarana.
Air Marshal Aneke described the incident as unfortunate and sympathised with the victims’ families and the state government, noting that NAF teams had earlier visited the state for engagement and fact-finding following the incident.
He said the Nigerian Air Force had taken full responsibility for compensating damaged livestock and farmlands, as well as providing other forms of support to mitigate the suffering caused by the unforeseen incident.
“The incident was not intentional. It was a mistake that happened during an operation targeting criminal elements in the area,” he said.
The Air Force chief reaffirmed NAF’s commitment to sustaining operations against terrorists, bandits and kidnappers, while urging communities to support military activities to ensure hitch-free operations.
He added that all NAF operations were guided by strict rules of engagement and civilian harm mitigation standards to prevent harm to non-combatants.
Air Marshal Aneke prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and commended Governor Aliyu for facilitating engagement between NAF and the affected families.
Continued Collaboration
He assured the people of continued collaboration with the state government to sustain peace and security in the region.
In his remark, Governor Ahmed Aliyu said the Sokoto State Government had earlier supported the victims with N20 million, medical care and logistics immediately after the incident.
He announced an additional donation of N35 million to the injured victims and families of the deceased, commending the Nigerian Air Force for its concern in alleviating the effects of the incident on citizens.
The Governor described the NAF gesture as a demonstration of empathy and responsibility, noting that the airstrike, though regrettable, occurred in the course of efforts to curb criminal activities in the area.
Governor Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting security agencies in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities for sustainable peace and security in the state.
The event also featured special prayers offered by Islamic scholars for the repose of the victims’ souls, as well as for national peace, security, progress and stability.
PIAK