A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jet targeting bandits has reportedly killed six children in the Kurebe area of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
NAF Airstrike In Niger State
The spokesperson of the Coalition of Shiroro Association (COSA), Salis Sabo, who disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday, said the incident happened on April 13.
According to him, the six children were hit by the airstrike when they were returning home from where they had gone to fetch water, TheCable reports.
Sabo, who claimed that the airstrike targeted a civilian location, said two of the victims were orphans whose parents were killed during a bandit attack on the village.
He said, “A man who lost two of his daughters and granddaughters in the incident said there was no single bandit within the village at the time the aircraft bombarded the innocent children.
“He added that the terrorist camps are well known. He said the terrorists around the community are of two groups, with two different camps. One links up with the community through Unguwan Zomo, the other through Kwantan Yashi area. Therefore, they do not understand why fighter jet would be targeting the community where civilians live.
“The two other children who lost their lives in the incidents have for long lost their parents. One of them is a daughter of late Malam Isah Kurebe and the other is a daughter of late Malam Adamu Kurebe, who was killed by the terrorists two years ago. The innocent child he left behind has now been taken away by a similar fate. This is the second time this type of incident is happening.”
When contacted, NAF spokesperson, Edward Gabkwet refused to comment on the matter.
KanyiDaily recalls that two months ago, the Nigerian Army targeting ‘bandits’ also killed seven children and wounded five others by mistake in Niger Republic.