Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has strongly condemned the accidental airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force on December 25, which reportedly killed 10 people in the Rumtuwa and Gidan Sama communities of Sokoto State.
The affected villages, situated near the Surame desert—an area known to harbor the Lakurawa terror group—suffered significant casualties in the incident, which has drawn widespread criticism.
In a post on X, Atiku described the airstrike as “an outrage that must be condemned in the strongest terms,” expressing deep concern over the military’s repeated targeting errors.
Calls for Accountability and Precision
Atiku questioned whether any lessons had been learned from similar past tragedies, citing the December 3, 2023 airstrike on a religious gathering at Tudun Biri, near Kaduna, which resulted in numerous civilian deaths.
“The indiscriminate killing of innocent citizens can never be justified,” Atiku wrote, stressing the importance of accurate intelligence and precision in military operations against terrorists.
A Plea to End the Cycle of Tragedy
The PDP stalwart urged the government and military to take concrete steps to avoid a repeat of such incidents, emphasizing that the “tragic cycle of death” must end.
He also extended his condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Sokoto State.
“May the souls of the departed rest in eternal peace,” Atiku said, offering prayers for the victims and their families.
Broader Implications
The Sokoto airstrike has reignited debates about the Nigerian military’s operational protocols and the need for accountability in minimizing civilian casualties during counterterrorism efforts. The incident adds to growing calls for reforms to prevent further loss of innocent lives in the fight against terrorism.
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