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Casualties Reported As Nigerian Air Force Bombs Katsina Community

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4 hours ago

Nov 21, 2024.

An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force reportedly caused multiple casualties in Shawu village, Ruwan Godiya district, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, on Thursday.

The strike, initially intended to target bandits in the area, tragically impacted members of the community.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that eyewitness Salihu Bamle Bakatsine, sharing the incident on X (formerly Twitter), wrote: “Moments ago, Nigeria Air Force mistakenly bombarded Shawu community.

Several people are now confirmed dead, and many others injured. Shawu is under Ruwan Godiya district, Faskari LGA, Katsina State. May the Almighty have mercy on the deceased, grant healing to the injured, and bring relief in the future.”

However, Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security, Nasiru Mu’azu, disputed claims that the strike was accidental. He emphasized that it was a targeted operation against terrorists in the area.

“Whoever told you the attack was accidental lied. The bomb was dropped on purpose; terrorists were the target,” Mu’azu stated. “The Nigerian military conducts professional operations based on surveillance and precise coordinates before striking. Shawu has become a known hub for harboring bandits and other criminal elements.”

Faskari Local Government Council Chairman, Musa Ado Faskari, expressed regret over the incident, confirming that four deaths had been recorded while efforts were ongoing to assess the number of injured victims.

Nigerian Air Force Katsina Community

“The airstrike was precise because bandits have infiltrated the community,” Faskari explained. “It’s unfortunate, but there is no alternative. Many good residents have already fled Shawu due to the heavy presence of bandits. Kidnapping plans in the region are often traced back to Shawu.”

While authorities defend the operation as necessary, the casualties underscore the complex challenges of combating banditry in affected regions. Investigations into the incident are expected to continue.