- Defence HQ blamed secondary explosions for Sokoto airstrike deaths.
- Military insists the operation targeted terrorists, not civilians.
- An investigation into alleged civilian casualties is now underway.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified the circumstances surrounding the recent airstrikes in Sokoto State, describing the fatalities as the result of “secondary explosions” rather than direct military action.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that this comes after the Sokoto State government reported that at least ten villagers were killed and others injured following airstrikes in Silame Local Government Area.
In a statement on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, emphasized that the deaths and injuries were not caused directly by the airstrikes but were instead due to secondary explosions.
On Thursday, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, reiterated the military’s position, stating that the airstrikes targeted only terrorists and criminals.
During his visit to Sokoto State, General Musa declared that anyone found among terrorists during the operation would be considered an accomplice.
The controversy arose after a fighter jet reportedly bombed two communities in the Silame Local Government Area on Wednesday, leading to at least ten civilian deaths and multiple injuries.
The Sokoto State government has maintained that some of the victims were “innocent villagers,” but the military disputes this claim, asserting the operation was directed solely at criminals.
Speaking to the press at Giginya Cantonment in Sokoto, General Musa expressed confidence in the precision of the military’s operations but acknowledged the need for a thorough investigation.
“The military airstrike was targeted at terrorists,” he said, while accusing criminal elements of attempting to manipulate the media narrative to their advantage.
General Musa reassured the public that the military remains committed to protecting citizens and addressing any collateral concerns through proper channels.
FURTHER READING
- BREAKING: Sokoto Villages Hit by Airstrike Targeting Terrorists, Several Feared Dead
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