Tragedy in Zamfara: Nigerian Military Jet Mistakenly Kills 20 Vigilantes

By Emmanuel Kwada

A devastating incident has occurred in Zamfara State, where a Nigerian military fighter jet mistakenly struck and killed about 20 vigilantes during an operation targeting bandits in Garin Mani village. The incident happened after armed bandits attacked the village, killing several residents and abducting over 50 others.

We were pursuing the bandits when we saw the fighter jet approaching. It flew very low and started bombing us. Some of us survived by pretending we had been hit

According to eyewitnesses, the vigilantes were pursuing the fleeing bandits when the military aircraft misidentified them as the attackers and launched airstrikes.

One of the vigilantes described the horrific scene, saying, “We were pursuing the bandits when we saw the fighter jet approaching. It flew very low and started bombing us. Some of us survived by pretending we had been hit.”

Residents have expressed disappointment over the lack of communication from the military and are calling for acknowledgment of the incident and support for the victims’ families. They are also appealing for additional troops to be deployed to the area, as the bandits have threatened to return.

Similar mistakes have occurred in the past, including airstrikes that killed 16 people in Tungar Kara, Zamfara, in January, and 10 residents in Gidan Bisa, Sokoto State, in December

Unfortunately, this incident is not isolated. Similar mistakes have occurred in the past, including airstrikes that killed 16 people in Tungar Kara, Zamfara, in January, and 10 residents in Gidan Bisa, Sokoto State, in December.

As of now, the Nigerian military has yet to issue an official statement on the latest incident. This incident highlights the need for improved communication and precision in military operations to prevent such tragedies in the future.

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