Tragic Error: Nigerian Military Airstrikes Claim Lives of 6 Family Members in Katsina

Image:Tribune

 A tragic incident unfolded in Katsina State as Nigerian military airstrikes targeting bandits mistakenly killed six family members in the Yauni community of Safana Local Government Area. The airstrike, intended to foil a planned bandit attack on voters during the state’s local government elections, resulted in the deaths of three children, a man, and two women, leaving the community in shock and mourning. Eyewitnesses reported that the military operation followed a fierce gun battle between security forces and bandits, during which two police officers and a member of the State Community Watch Corps (CWC) were also killed.

The incident has raised concerns about the accuracy of military operations in the region, where banditry and insecurity remain significant challenges. Sources revealed that the airstrike was launched to prevent bandits from disrupting the electoral process in Zakka village. However, the tragic outcome has sparked outrage and grief among residents, who are demanding accountability and better precision in military operations to avoid civilian casualties.

This is not the first time such a tragedy has occurred in Katsina State. In July 2022, a military fighter jet mistakenly bombed Kunkunni village in the same local government area, killing at least two people. Similarly, in 2025, a military airstrike in Zamfara State resulted in the deaths of 16 individuals, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and local vigilantes.

At the time of reporting, neither the military nor government authorities had issued an official statement on the latest incident. The recurring nature of such errors highlights the need for improved intelligence and operational strategies to minimize harm to civilians while combating banditry. As the community grapples with the loss, calls for justice and stricter oversight of military operations have grown louder, underscoring the delicate balance between security and civilian safety in Nigeria’s fight against insurgency.

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#Katsina