The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent voice in Northern Nigeria, has vehemently condemned the accidental airstrike carried out by the Nigerian military on the Silame community in Sokoto State on Christmas Day. This tragic incident, which resulted in the loss of 10 lives and left several injured, has sparked outrage and calls for accountability. The ACF has characterized the incident as “one mistake too many,” highlighting a pattern of similar occurrences in other parts of the country, including Tudun Biri in Kaduna State, Adamawa, and Nasarawa states. These recurring tragedies underscore a deeply concerning trend of civilian casualties resulting from military operations, raising serious questions about operational protocols and the protection of innocent lives.
The ACF’s criticism centers on the military’s response to the incident, which they perceive as insensitive and reminiscent of past incidents where initial denials were later followed by admissions of error. The statement released by the military spokesperson, claiming the strike targeted a planned objective, has been met with skepticism and calls for a thorough investigation. The ACF has demanded a transparent inquiry into the Silame airstrike, with publicly disclosed findings and concrete measures to prevent future tragedies. This demand reflects a growing public distrust in the military’s explanations and a desire for greater accountability for actions that result in civilian casualties. The forum’s insistence on transparency and concrete action underscores the need for a fundamental shift in the military’s approach to civilian protection during operations.
The ACF has commended the Sokoto State Government for its swift response to the tragedy, particularly Governor Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu’s visit to the affected community and his pledge to provide government-funded medical care for the injured. While acknowledging the state government’s efforts, the ACF has urged prompt action to ensure the governor’s promises are fulfilled without delay. This prompt response stands in stark contrast to the military’s perceived insensitivity, further emphasizing the need for a more compassionate and accountable approach to civilian casualties resulting from military operations.
Beyond immediate relief efforts, the ACF has called for compensation for the victims’ families and the injured, emphasizing adherence to Islamic legal principles and injunctions. This call for compensation reflects not only the need to provide material support to those affected but also the importance of acknowledging the moral and legal obligations to those who have suffered loss due to the military’s actions. The specific reference to Islamic principles underscores the cultural and religious context within which this tragedy has unfolded and the need for compensation to be aligned with the community’s values and beliefs.
Furthermore, the ACF has appealed to humanitarian organizations, affluent individuals, and the general public to extend support and relief to the Silame community in their time of need. Recognizing the potential for corruption in the distribution of relief materials, the forum has cautioned against unscrupulous individuals seeking to exploit the situation for personal gain. This appeal for aid reflects the community’s immediate needs in the aftermath of the tragedy and emphasizes the importance of ethical and transparent distribution of relief materials to ensure they reach those who need them most. The call for vigilance against corruption highlights a recurring concern in disaster relief efforts and underscores the need for accountability and oversight in aid distribution.
In addition to demanding accountability and compensation, the ACF has urged the military to implement concrete measures to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The forum has emphasized the importance of justice and accountability, stressing that those responsible for the Silame airstrike must be held accountable. This call for preventative measures reflects a broader concern about the recurring nature of civilian casualties in military operations and the need for systemic changes to prevent future tragedies. The emphasis on justice and accountability underscores the importance of not only providing redress for past wrongs but also preventing future harm by holding those responsible for errors and misconduct accountable. The ACF’s strong condemnation of the Silame airstrike and their comprehensive demands for accountability, compensation, and preventative measures represent a critical voice advocating for the protection of civilian lives and the upholding of justice in the face of tragic loss. Their call for transparency and concrete action underscores the need for a fundamental shift in the military’s approach to civilian protection during operations, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the prevention of future tragedies.
