The residents of Jika da Kolo village in the Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have presented conflicting narratives regarding the fatalities from an airstrike that occurred on Friday.
Local residents allege that the airstrike resulted in the deaths of 23 worshippers at a mosque, along with other individuals at a nearby market. They express deep concern over the impact of the strike on their community.
Conversely, the NAF asserts that the operation solely targeted a logistics base used by terrorists. They maintain that the airstrike was aimed at eliminating terrorist threats in the region.
According to the Air Force, numerous terrorists were confirmed killed during the strike, and they claimed that there was no mosque in the vicinity of the operation. This statement has been met with skepticism by the villagers.
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Some residents, who spoke to Daily Trust, reported that among the casualties were farmers and children who had gathered near the mosque on that day. Their accounts paint a picture of a tragic loss of innocent lives.
They likened the recent incident to a prior airstrike on December 3, 2023, in Tudun Biri, also in Kaduna State, which resulted in approximately 100 fatalities. This comparison highlights ongoing concerns about airstrike accuracy and civilian safety.
Multiple sources from Kidandan village informed reporters that an aircraft dropped bombs in their area. Eyewitnesses described the aftermath as devastating, with many bodies disfigured by the impact.
Residents reported that 23 mutilated bodies were collected from the scene and buried according to Islamic rites. This underscores the community’s efforts to honor those who lost their lives.
A community leader, who wished to remain anonymous due to safety concerns, participated in the funeral rites. He recounted the grim task of gathering body parts of the deceased, which included children.
He emphasized the perilous situation in Yadin Kidandan, noting that while the area is under bandit control, innocent villagers remain trapped there, with no alternative places to seek refuge.
The leader remarked that when the airstrike occurred, many people congregated at the mosque, leading to significant casualties. The mosque was reportedly crowded at the time of the strike.
This tragic incident has raised serious questions about the conduct of military operations in civilian areas and the need for greater accountability in ensuring the protection of innocent lives.
