Nigerian Air Force kills women, children as they accidentally bomb village in Borno

A fighter jet belonging to the Nigerian Air Force fired a bomb on Sakotoku village in Damboa local government area of Borno state which reportedly led to killing of no fewer than 17 people.

WITHIN NIGERIA learnt that people who were killed by the bomb included women and children who were reportedly playing under mango trees.

Military sources disclosed that the Nigeria air force was informed that Boko Haram insurgents were gathering  around the village on Thursday afternoon.

According to a source who prefers anonymity, the supposed target was an area in Korongilum, a neighbouring village 12 kilometres away where suspected Boko Haram insurgents had gathered earlier.

“We don’t know if they didn’t communicate well with the land troops as the air force jet fired that bomb on the village,” another source revealed.

“Seventeen people were killed, mostly women and their children playing under mango trees. Many were also injured and have been taken to the 25 army brigade in Damboa, and those with critical injuries were taken to Maiduguri.”

It was also learnt that some villagers who lost their houses to the bomb attack have found their way to Damboa.

Recall that residents of Garkida, Adamawa state and Korongilum, Borno state, had alleged that NAF fighter jets refused to open fire on suspected Boko Haram insurgents when they attacked their communities in February.

According to NAF Spokesperson, Ibikunle Daramola, they could not engage the insurgents because the situation in Garkida was chaotic, and that they took the measure so they would not hit civilians.

Recall that the military also misfired which was described as an accidental strike in 2017 resulting to the killing of 126 civilians in Rann, Borno state.

Daramola disclosed when contacted by newsmen that “It’s a matter of operation” and the defence headquarters would be in a better position to speak on the matter.”

Both Onyema Nwachukwu and John Enenche, defence headquarters spokespersons, were not reachable for comment as they neither responded to calls nor replied text messages.