The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has opened an investigation into a tragic airstrike that allegedly killed innocent civilians in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The incident occurred in the Jika da Kolo community, located in Yadin Kidandan, and has led to an outcry from local residents.
Locals claimed that the airstrike, which took place last Friday, mistakenly hit the village, killing over 25 people. Most of the victims were reportedly worshippers in a mosque, while others were at a nearby market when the bombs fell.
Eyewitnesses in the community were left in shock and devastation as the scale of the destruction became clear.
This horrific incident has sparked widespread anger and grief among the affected families and the community at large. Many are asking how such a mistake could happen and are calling for justice.
In response to the public outcry, the Nigerian Air Force has acknowledged the incident and launched a full investigation. A statement from Group Captain Kabiru Ali, the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, confirmed that NAF is not taking the allegations lightly. He stressed that the Air Force is determined to find out what went wrong and ensure that the facts are clear.
“We have commenced a thorough investigation into the alleged bombing of civilians at Jika da Kolo community in Giwa Local Government Area,” Group Captain Ali said. “Our focus is to ascertain the facts and keep the populace informed in due course.”
He also noted that NAF takes such incidents seriously. “Our goal is always to achieve operational objectives without causing collateral damage. We are working tirelessly to ensure that we conduct our operations with precision and care,” he added.
NAF has been involved in several air operations across Nigeria, especially in regions like Kaduna, where terrorist activities have been on the rise. The airstrike in question, according to NAF’s statement, was based on credible intelligence and confirmatory surveillance of the target area. The location had been identified as a terrorist hideout for over two years.
“The airstrike was carried out after receiving reliable intelligence from multiple sources. The target area has been a known terrorist enclave for more than two years,” NAF’s statement read. “This successful airstrike is part of our ongoing efforts to minimize banditry, kidnapping, and attacks on innocent civilians in Kaduna State.”
However, this explanation has done little to comfort the families of the victims, who say that the airstrike hit the wrong target. Many are demanding answers and calling for greater accountability from the government and military.
The airstrike occurred at a time when the people of Kaduna, especially those living in rural areas like Giwa Local Government, have been living in fear due to the activities of bandits and terrorists. These criminal groups have terrorized many parts of the state, carrying out kidnappings, attacks on villages, and killing innocent people.
