The Federal Government has said that it would conduct a thorough investigation into Wednesday’s accidental bombing that killed 10 people in Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa villages of Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State.
While on a condolence visit to the state governor, Dr. Ahmed Aliyu in Sokoto, the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Mutawalle described the incident as very unfortunate, and assured that thorough investigations would be conducted, adding that justice would be done on the matter.
“Mr President is worried by the unfortunate incident and he asked me to come and condole you over what happened”, he said.
The minister also added that, the military air strikes hit the wrong locations due to the wrong information they might have been given while carrying out the operations.
He said that security reports had confirmed that the area is being dominated by the Lakurawa bandits.
He lamented that Nigeria had been placed on red alert on terrorism, and reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to make the country safe.
Mutawalle extolled the commitment of the governor on the fight against banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
According to him, Aliyu was the only governor who willingly requested for a military base in his state, and reassured him of military’s support to make the state safe.
“We would continue to provide all the necessary equipment and gadgets to Sokoto state”, the minister assured.
He also made a personal donation of N10 million to the families of those killed and victims receiving treatment at the hospital.
Responding, the governor called on the military to improve on their information gathering and surveillance so as to avoid hitting the wrong targets.
He commended the military and other security agencies for their commitment in making the state safe.
He thanked President Bola Tinubu for the concern he had shown over the accidental bombing of the two villages in the state.
Aliyu also thanked him for his support to the state in the fight against banditry n the state.
The governor also described the accidental bombing on the innocent souls as something destined to happen and prayed to the Almighty Allah to prevent its recurrence.
