PDP condemns Sokoto airstrike, calls for probe

The Peoples Democratic Party has prolonged condolences to the folks of Sokoto State following the tragic deaths and accidents ensuing from an unintentional airstrike allegedly performed by the army.

The incident, which occurred in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa villages of Silame Native Authorities Space, claimed the lives of a number of civilians and livestock whereas devastating houses and meals silos.

Stories indicated that on December 25, a fighter jet concentrating on Lakurawa terrorists mistakenly dropped explosives on residential areas, inflicting vital casualties and destruction.

Whereas the Nigerian Air Power (NAF) pledged to hold out a radical investigation, NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, maintained that the strikes had been primarily based on credible intelligence from a number of sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.

In an announcement launched on Sunday, PDP Nationwide Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, known as for an instantaneous, clear, and complete inquiry into the incident to forestall future occurrences and improve civilian security in counter-terrorism operations.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) commiserates with the folks of Sokoto State over the killing and damage to many civilians within the unintentional airstrike by the army in pursuit of terrorists in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa villages of Silame Native Authorities Space of the State,” the assertion learn.

“After an evaluation of the experiences of the mistaken airstrike, the PDP calls for an pressing system-wide investigation into the tragic incident with the view to additional assure the safety and security of civilians within the combat in opposition to terrorism within the nation.”

Ologunagba recalled comparable tragic airstrikes in Kaduna State in December 2023 and September 2024, urging authorities to undertake measures that may forestall such incidents sooner or later.

The PDP prolonged sympathies to the households of the victims and known as on the Federal Authorities to offer compensation to the bereaved whereas making certain that the injured obtain sufficient medical look after swift restoration.

“The PDP condoles with the households of the victims of the unhappy incident and urges the Federal Authorities to take needed steps to compensate the households of the useless in addition to guarantee sufficient medical consideration for the speedy restoration of the wounded.”

The opposition social gathering emphasised the necessity for better professionalism in army operations, acknowledging the army’s dedication to safeguarding nationwide safety and inspiring them to maintain their patriotic efforts in combating terrorism throughout the nation.