At least 20 members of a local vigilante group have been mistakenly killed by a Nigerian military fighter jet during an anti-banditry operation in Zamfara State.
The tragic incident happened in Garin Mani village, located in Maru Local Government Area, shortly after bandits launched a deadly raid in the community. Witnesses said more than 50 villagers, mostly farmers working on their land, were abducted during the attack.
According to eyewitnesses, the attackers stormed the area on motorcycles around midday, shooting indiscriminately and causing panic among residents.
In a swift response, local vigilantes mobilized and chased after the fleeing bandits.
Airstrike follows deadly bandit attack that left dozens abducted
However, a military jet deployed to the scene reportedly mistook the vigilantes for the armed bandits and bombed them.
“We were pursuing the bandits when we saw the fighter jet approaching,” one of the vigilantes told BBC Hausa.
“It flew very low and started bombing us. Some of us survived by pretending to be dead.”
A resident, who preferred not to be named, confirmed the incident and expressed dismay over the military’s silence.
“We understand mistakes happen, but the authorities should admit this and reach out to the families of those affected,” he said, urging the government to send more troops to the area due to threats of renewed attacks.
This is not the first time such an error has occurred. In January, an airstrike killed 16 people, including vigilantes, in Tungar Kara, Zamfara. Similarly, in December last year, 10 residents of Gidan Bisa, Sokoto State, lost their lives in another mistaken bombing.
As of press time, the Nigerian military has not released an official statement regarding the incident.
