What started as a quiet day in Katsina State, Northwest, Nigeria ended in terror when a bombing by the Nigerian Air Force shook the area with multiple casualties.
The incident occurred on Thursday morning in Shawu village, Ruwan Godiya district, Faskari Local Government Area.
According to an eyewitness, the air strike was intended to target bandits in the area but mistakenly hit the community. The exact number of fatalities and injuries is yet to be confirmed.
Salihu Bamle Bakatsine, a resident of Katsina State, broke the news of the accidental bombing on his X handle.
He said, “Moment ago, Nigeria Airforce mistakenly bombard Shawu community, several people are now confirmed dead and many others injured.
“Shawu community is under Ruwan Godiya district, Faskari LGA, Katsina State.
“May the Almighty have mercy on those who lost their lives, grant healing to the injured and bring ease in the future.”
The state commissioner for internal security, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, confirmed that there was bombing the area but said it was not accidental.
According to him, it was a precision strike targeted at terrorists and not civilians.
“Whoever told you that the attack was accidental lied. The bomb was dropped on purpose, terrorists were the target.
“Make no mistake about this, the Nigerian military is highly professional in its operations; they strike after surveillance and then getting the coordinate of their target before striking.”
“You see, Shawu has become notorious for harbouring bandits and other forms of terrorists, that’s why the area was targeted,” Mu’azu added.
In the same vein, the Faskari Local Government Council chairman, Musa Ado Faskari said, “The airstrike was precise because bandits have infiltrated the community.”
When asked about the fate of innocent citizens living in the Shawu, he said, “It’s unfortunate that it has happened, but the truth is that there’s just no alternative to this. After all, majority of good people have left Shawu because of the heavy presence of bandits.”
“Let me tell you, all around, when kidnapping for ransom is carried out, you’ll always get to hear that the plan was hatched in Shawu,” Ado said.
Regarding fatalities, the local council chairman said, “Four deaths were recorded.”
“As of the wounded, we’re still sorting things out to determine their numbers,” he added.
