Military Airstrike Kills 20 Vigilantes, Residents In Zamfara Community
A Nigerian Airforce airstrike on Saturday (January 11, 2025) evening hit members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), vigilantes, and some residents.
The incident which claimed at least 20 lives was believed to have occurred shortly after bandits raided the area and fled thereby throwing the Tungar Kara community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State into mourning.
Forefront gathered that some of the local vigilantes and residents, who had mobilized to defend their community against the marauding bandits were unfortunately caught in the strike.
The final death toll was yet to be determined as at the time of filing this report, but it was gathered that 16 bodies have so far been retrieved even as rescue efforts continue.
Military sources said that the airstrike was intended to target the fleeing bandits, but unfortunately affected the community, leaving behind a trajectory of some unanswered questions.
Expectedly, the Tungar Kara residents have called for a thorough investigation into the tragic error and support for the affected families.
The authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the unfortunate incident which underscored the challenges being faced in combating insecurity in Zamfara State.
