By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

The Federal Government will conduct thorough investigation and ensure justice for victims of Wednesday’s erroneous aerial bombardment that killed 10 people in Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa villages of Silame Local Government Area in Sokoto State.

Read Also: Lakurawas terrorists, collaborators killed in Sokoto air strikes, Defence Headquarters insists

The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mutawalle, gave the assurance during a condolence visit to Governor Ahmed Aliyu at Government House, Sokoto.

“What happened in the two villages is very unfortunate.

“Thorough investigations would be conducted with a view to finding out what really happened, and justice would be done on the matter.

“Mr President is worried by the unfortunate incident and he asked me to come and condole with you over what happened,” he said.

The minister also added that at the times military air strikes hit wrong locations due to the wrong information they may have been given while carrying out operations.

“Security reports had confirmed that the area where the incident happened was being dominated by the Lakurawa bandits,” the Minister explained.

He lamented the way and manner Nigeria has been placed on red alert on terrorism, and reiterated the commitment of the Federal Government to make the country safe.

The minister extolled the commitment of Governor Aliyu on the fight against banditry and other criminal activities in the state.

According to him, Dr Aliyu was the only governor who willingly requested for a military base in his state, and reassured the governor of military’s support to make Sokoto state safe.

“We would continue to provide all the necessary equipment and gadgets to Sokoto state,” he assured.

He made a personal donation of N10 million to the families of those killed and those receiving treatment at the hospital as a result of the injuries they sustained from to bombings.

It’s destiny – Gov Aliyu

In his response Governor Aliyu called on the military to improve on their information gathering and surveillance so as to avoid hitting the wrong targets.

He commended the military and other security agencies for their commitment in making the state safe.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for the concern he has shown over the accidental bombing of the two villages in the state.

Governor Aliyu also thanked him for his support to the state in the fight against banditry in the state.

He described the accidental bombing on the innocent souls as something destined to happen and prayed to the Almighty Allah to prevent its recurrence.

Vanguard News