The Sokoto Youth Emancipation Front (SYEF) has called for a full-scale investigation into an airstrike that reportedly killed at least ten citizens in Sokoto State, injured many others, and caused significant property damage.
The group also demanded compensation for the victims and their families, describing the incident as an avoidable tragedy.
In a statement on Wednesday by the group’s leader, Comrade Hamisu Sani, SYEF expressed outrage over the incident, urging the authorities to ensure justice is served. The group also criticised what it termed as a “pattern of disregard for civilian lives” in military operations within civilian-populated areas.
According to Sani, the bombing, which targeted a location in the Gwadabawa Local Government Area, resulted in the death of innocent, law-abiding citizens.
“We are seriously concerned about the bombing of innocent citizens in Sokoto State, leading to the killing of, at least, ten law-abiding individuals, injuring many others, and destroying properties. This act is unacceptable and demands immediate action,” said Sani.
Earlier, the Sokoto State Government revealed that it is “in direct communication with the leadership of the Nigerian Army to ensure a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragedy.”
It was on this note that Sani urged the Sokoto State Government to work with federal authorities to provide immediate relief to the affected families and rebuild the properties lost during the airstrike.
He also emphasised that civilian lives must be protected during military operations, adding that the airstrike raises serious questions about the coordination and intelligence underpinning such actions. “We demand that those responsible be held accountable and measures put in place to ensure such incidents do not occur again,” he said.
The group also stressed the need for the government to compensate the victims and their families adequately.
“The victims of this incident, including those who lost loved ones and those whose properties were destroyed, deserve justice and adequate compensation. This will not only offer some solace but also serve as a reminder to our security forces to exercise caution in future operations,” said Comrade Sani.
SYEF reiterated its support for the Nigerian Armed Forces in their fight against terrorism and banditry but maintained that civilian safety must always remain a priority.
It called on all well-meaning Nigerians to join the demand for justice. The group urged civil society organisations, human rights groups, and traditional rulers to lend their voices to ensure the incident is not swept under the carpet.
“like the case of Tudun Biri in Kaduna state, we must collectively demand justice for the victims of this tragedy, The lives of Sokoto citizens matter, and we will not rest until justice is served,” Comrade Sani added.
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