Governor Aliyu Visits Bombed Sokoto Communities, Donates 20 Million to Victims’ Families

Governor Aliyu Visits Bombed Sokoto Communities, Donates 20 Million to Victims’ Families

Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu on Wednesday visited two communities struck by a military airstrike that left at least 10 people dead and several others injured. The attack, carried out in the early hours, was reportedly aimed at eliminating armed groups but mistakenly targeted innocent civilians.

Defying the difficult terrain, Governor Aliyu joined residents for the funeral prayers of the deceased victims. During the visit, he announced a ₦20 million donation to support the families of those affected and assured the community of his administration’s commitment to seeking justice and preventing a recurrence of such incidents.

The governor was accompanied by All Progressives Congress (APC) leader in the state, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi.

Military Error

Speaking at the scene, Governor Aliyu expressed deep sympathy for the victims and described the incident as a tragic mistake.

“The military jets were on a mission to eliminate criminal armed groups terrorizing the state but mistakenly bombed innocent people of this community,” he explained.

He acknowledged the military’s previous successes in targeting criminal hideouts but emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the error. “We consider this as a mistake, but we will ensure an inquiry is conducted to prevent such an avoidable tragedy in the future,” Aliyu said.

The governor also prayed for the repose of the deceased souls and strength for their grieving families.

Support for Victims

The Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, further announced a donation of 100 bags of assorted foodstuffs to the affected families. The state government also pledged to cover the medical bills of those injured during the incident.

The airstrike has drawn widespread concern, with calls for better coordination and precision in military operations to avoid civilian casualties. Governor Aliyu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to supporting the affected communities while ensuring security remains a top priority.

The Sokoto government’s response highlights its focus on balancing security efforts with compassion for its citizens caught in crossfire.