The tragic death of 16 vigilantes in an airstrike in Kakindawa village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, has sparked widespread grief and concerns over military operations in the region. The incident occurred on Saturday, January 10, 2025, during a coordinated military offensive aimed at combating banditry under Operation Fansan Yamma.
Airstrike During Bandit Attack
According to Garba Umar, a local resident of Kakindawa village, the vigilantes were en route to assist neighbors in Tungar Kara village, which had come under attack by bandits. The bandits reportedly attempted to rustle livestock and kidnap residents, prompting the local vigilantes to mobilize for support.
Umar recounted that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft conducted a strike just as the vigilantes approached the village, killing 16 people, including his son. He said, “The bandits had already escaped into the forest, yet the aircraft bombed the vigilantes. We counted 16 people killed in the incident.”
Official Reactions
Efforts to reach the NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, for comment were unsuccessful. However, Akinboyewa later released a statement highlighting the success of the military’s coordinated air and ground assault on bandit hideouts in Fakai Hills, also in Zamfara State. The statement confirmed heavy casualties among bandits loyal to the notorious kingpin, Kachallah Bello Turji, but did not directly address the civilian deaths in Tungar Kara.
Zamfara State Governor, Lawal Dauda, through his spokesman Sulaiman Bala, acknowledged the airstrike’s collateral damage. Bala stated, “While the operation degraded the operational capacity of the bandits, we regretfully confirm that some members of the Civilian Joint Task Force and local vigilantes were affected, resulting in the loss of lives.”
He extended condolences to the families of the victims and assured them that their sacrifices would not go in vain. The state government pledged support to the bereaved families.
Previous Incidents and Military Operations
The Tungar Kara incident is the latest in a series of accidental bombings in the region. On Christmas Day 2024, another airstrike targeting Lakurawa terrorists mistakenly hit Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in the Silame Local Government Area, killing at least 10 villagers and wounding several others.
Meanwhile, Akinboyewa’s statement emphasized the military’s success in Fakai Hills. He detailed the precision of the operation, which reportedly neutralized scores of bandits, inflicted significant damage on Kachallah Turji’s network, and freed several kidnapped victims. He added, “This resounding success has been met with widespread celebrations from locals in Zamfara State.”
Calls for Accountability and Investigation
The tragic loss of vigilante lives has reignited calls for accountability and improved coordination in military operations. Lt. Col. Abubakar Abdullahi, Public Relations Officer for Operation Fansan Yamma, promised to investigate the matter. “We are looking into the incident to determine what went wrong and ensure it does not happen again,” he said.
Local leaders and residents have also called for a review of the protocols surrounding military airstrikes. They stressed the importance of ensuring that civilian casualties are minimized in future operations.
Humanitarian and Security Impact
The ongoing conflict in Zamfara State has devastated local communities, forcing many to flee their homes and abandon their livelihoods. While the military continues its offensive against bandits, incidents like the Tungar Kara airstrike highlight the complex challenges of conducting operations in densely populated rural areas.
The Zamfara State government commended the military’s efforts but urged for greater care to avoid harming civilians. The government also reiterated its commitment to collaborating with security agencies to restore peace and stability in the region.
Conclusion
As investigations into the Tungar Kara airstrike continue, the incident underscores the need for meticulous planning and precision in military operations to prevent civilian casualties. The military’s ongoing efforts to combat banditry are crucial, but ensuring the safety of civilians and vigilantes who aid in the fight remains paramount. The families of the fallen vigilantes, along with the broader Zamfara community, await justice and a renewed commitment to protecting lives while tackling insecurity.
