By Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto

SOKOTO:–Barely one year after a tragic and erroneous Nigerian Air force Jet Bomb innocent civilians in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, the NAF and the Sokoto State Government have jointly paid ₦51 million in compensation to victims and bereaved families.

The airstrike, which occurred on December 25, 2024, mistakenly hit Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa villages, claiming the lives of 12 innocent civilians and leaving one other person injured, in what residents described as a day of mourning instead of joy.

To demonstrate remorse and responsibility, a high powered NAF delegation led by the Chief of Civil-Military Relations, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, visited Sokoto to formally commiserate with the affected communities.

Air Vice Marshal Gabkwet said the delegation was acting on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, to convey the deep regrets and unreserved apologies of the Nigerian Air Force over the fatal error.

He acknowledged that the incident was a grave operational mistake, stressing that the Nigerian Air Force had accepted full responsibility for the airstrike and the loss of innocent lives.

According to him, concrete measures have since been put in place to strengthen intelligence gathering, targeting procedures and civilian protection in order to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy.

Gabkwet reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to strong civil-military relations, noting that the protection of civilians remains central to all air operations across the country.

As part of immediate relief efforts, the Nigerian Air Force announced a ₦20 million donation to the victims and bereaved families as a gesture of remorse and solidarity.

The donation was formally handed over to the Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, Alhaji Abubakar Gitta Rana, who received it on behalf of the affected families and communities.

In a further show of compassion, Governor Ahmed Aliyu of Sokoto State announced an additional ₦31 million support package from the state government.

The governor said the state’s intervention was aimed at cushioning the pain of the families, restoring hope and reaffirming government’s responsibility to its citizens in moments of tragedy.

He commended the Nigerian Air Force for its swift response, openness in admitting the error and willingness to make amends, describing it as a critical step toward healing and rebuilding trust.

Governor Aliyu assured the people of Silame that his administration would continue to engage the affected communities and provide necessary support beyond financial compensation.

The event concluded with special prayers offered for the repose of the souls of the deceased, as well as prayers for peace, comfort and strength for their families and the entire Silame community.