The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded a thorough investigation into the unfortunate incident that led to the deaths of innocent civilians in Sokoto State, following a recent military operation.
The party, in its statement, also called for compensation to be provided to the families of the victims of the accidental airstrike, and for adequate medical care to be given to the injured to help facilitate their swift recovery.
The PDP’s position was articulated in a statement released on Sunday by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba. According to the statement, the party was deeply concerned over the tragic deaths resulting from the mistaken military airstrike.
Reports indicated that at least ten villagers lost their lives due to an accidental airstrike that hit Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa villages, located in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, while the military was engaged in an operation targeting Lakurawa terrorists. The PDP condemned this incident as both tragic and avoidable, and stressed the need for proactive measures to prevent similar accidents in the future. In the wake of the attack, the party expressed heartfelt sympathy to the people and government of Sokoto and called on the military to continue its operations against terrorism, but with greater professionalism and caution.
The PDP’s statement read: “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) commiserates with the people of Sokoto State over the killing and injury of many civilians in the accidental airstrike by the military while pursuing terrorists in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa villages of the Silame Local Government Area of the state.”
The party further demanded an immediate and thorough investigation into the incident, urging that such an inquiry should be conducted to ensure the protection of civilians during the country’s fight against terrorism. The PDP also noted that similar airstrike incidents had occurred in other parts of the country, such as in Kaduna State in December 2023 and September 2024, resulting in civilian casualties. The party urged the government to take steps to prevent such tragedies from recurring.
The statement continued: “After an analysis of the reports of the mistaken airstrike, the PDP demands an urgent system-wide investigation into the tragic incident with the view to further guarantee the protection and safety of civilians in the fight against terrorism in the country.”
Additionally, the PDP extended its condolences to the families of the victims, and called on the Federal Government to take necessary steps to provide compensation to the families of the deceased, as well as ensure the provision of proper medical care to those who were injured.
“While calling for more professionalism, the PDP urges the military not to relent in its patriotic efforts in the fight against terrorism in our country,” the statement concluded.
