A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) air strike has allegedly killed more than 20 civilians in Zamfara State, according to multiple local residents who spoke to AFP on Monday.
The incident reportedly occurred over the weekend when a group of local vigilantes from Maraya and surrounding villages mobilized to pursue armed bandits who had raided Mani and Wabi communities, stealing livestock and kidnapping dozens.
In a tragic turn of events, a military jet deployed to the area allegedly mistook the vigilantes for the fleeing bandits and bombed them.
“We were hit by a double tragedy. First, bandits abducted our people and took our cattle. Then, those who went after them were killed by a military air strike. Twenty people died,” said Buhari Dangulbi, a resident of the area.
Other residents, including Ishiye Kabiru and Alka Tanimu, confirmed the death toll and described the scene of confusion and devastation following the bombing.
The Nigerian Army and Air Force have not yet issued a statement in response to the incident.
This marks at least the third time in recent years that civilians in Zamfara have been mistakenly killed by military air operations.
Amnesty International Nigeria has condemned the air strike, calling it “absolutely unlawful” and demanding a transparent investigation.
“Attacks by bandits clearly warrant a response from the state, but to launch reckless air strikes into villages — again and again — is unacceptable,” the organization said on X.
The incident adds to a growing list of fatal military errors in January 2024, December 2022, December 2023 and January 2017.