An airstrike targeting armed gangs in Nigeria’s northern Kaduna state has claimed the lives of at least 24 civilians, according to local residents and officials. The attack, which occurred on Sept. 27, is part of an ongoing military campaign against insurgents and kidnapping gangs but has raised concerns after reports that a mosque in the village of Jika da Kolo was mistakenly hit.
Muhammad Hussaini, a local resident, described the tragic event, stating that the airstrike targeted an area near a mosque, killing civilians rather than the intended gang members. The local councillor, Abdullahi Ismail, confirmed the death toll, adding that many of the victims were buried on Sunday.
The Nigerian Air Force has acknowledged the allegations and is investigating the incident. A spokesperson emphasized that the airstrike was based on credible intelligence and surveillance, but assured the public that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the facts surrounding the strike.
