President General of the Arewa Youths Consultative Forum, Alhaji Yerima Shetimma has decried the killing of 16 innocent members of vigilante by the Nigerian Airforce error strike.
According the President, “the recent reports of an airstrike in Tungar Kara, Zamfara State, resulting in the tragic deaths of at least sixteen civilians, evoke a profound sense of sorrow and concern. This incident, allegedly a mistaken attack by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and local residents, highlights the devastating consequences of collateral damage in counter-insurgency operations and underscores the urgent need for improved precision and accountability.
“Our immediate reaction to such news is one of deep sympathy for the victims and their families. The loss of life, particularly in such a seemingly accidental manner, is undeniably heartbreaking. The ZCPG, while a local vigilante group, is comprised of individuals attempting to protect their communities from armed violence.
“The fact that these civilians, actively working to maintain some semblance of order, became casualties of the very forces intended to bring security is particularly tragic. It raises serious questions about the efficacy and targeting procedures of the NAF’s operations.
“The lack of precise intelligence leading to such a devastating error is deeply troubling and demands thorough investigation.
The incident also raises broader concerns about the ongoing conflict in Zamfara State and the strategies employed to combat it. “The use of air power, while potentially effective in neutralizing insurgents, necessitates meticulous planning and execution to minimize civilian casualties. If a high-precision strike is unattainable due to limitations in technology or intelligence, then alternative strategies must be considered to prevent such avoidable tragedies.
“The Nigerian government has a responsibility to its citizens to ensure that all military operations are conducted with the utmost care and that every effort is made to avoid harm to innocent civilians.”