Zamfara Military Airstrike Killing of Innocent Civilians: One Too Many – N.P.R.O PANN.
Sulaiman Hussani Dawakin kudu Abuja
January 13, 2025
The Progressive Amalgamation of Northern Nigeria (PANN) has condemned the recent airstrike conducted by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) that resulted in the deaths of community protection guards, local vigilantes, and residents in the village of Tungar Kara, located in the Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The tragic incident occurred on Saturday during a raid targeting bandits, leading to the accidental deaths of at least 20 individuals, with many others sustaining serious injuries and lacking immediate medical assistance.
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In a statement issued to newsmen in Abuja, Hon. Zakari Adamu, the National Publicity Secretary of PANN, described the incident as one too many, asserting that the Nigerian Air Force has developed a reputation for causing civilian casualties rather than effectively combating the banditry that plagues the region.
Hon. Adamu recalled a similar incident that took place in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State just last month, where scores of civilians were killed under comparable circumstances. He pointed out that this incident is part of a troubling pattern, citing previous civilian casualties in Kaduna State last year and numerous incidents in the fight against terrorism in the northeast.
Following the Sokoto incident, PANN had called for an independent investigation to determine the root causes, punish those responsible, compensate victims, and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.
Unfortunately, according to Hon. Adamu, the military authorities ignored these calls, leading to the repetition of such tragic events.
Members of PANN have warned that until military authorities embrace transparency and accountability in their counter-insurgency operations, innocent lives will continue to be lost unnecessarily.
“We once again condemn the unprofessional conduct of the Air Force that led to the senseless killing of civilians in Zamfara State. This incident must not be swept under the carpet like similar occurrences in the past,” Hon. Adamu stated.
He emphasized the need for an independent investigation to identify and hold accountable those responsible, as well as to compensate the victims. He called for a complete overhaul of the conduct of counter-insurgency operations, particularly concerning the Nigerian Air Force.
Hon. Adamu assured the people of Northern Nigeria that if no action is taken to bring the culprits to justice and compensate the victims, PANN will pursue legal action. He urged Northern leaders, including elected officials, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and educators, to form a committee to confront the Nigerian military regarding the airstrike and its consequences.
He also called on President Ahmed Bola Tinubu to intervene and question military leaders about the recurrence of such incidents. PANN has instructed its legal department to prepare for necessary legal actions against the Air Force if there is no accountability for the recent tragedy.
