The Zamfara chiefs council have raised an alarm that innocent civilians are being killed by air strikes which were meant to destroy hideouts of armed bandits who are currently terrorising the state.
Hassan Attahiru, the Emir of Bungudu, stated this on behalf of the chiefs council in Gusau, the state capital of Zamfara, on Thursday.
He said that the council is receiving reports that innocent villagers are being hit by NAF’s air strikes in fight to combat armed bandits in the area.
Attahiru said, while addressing newsmen:
“The Council noted that airstrikes undertaken by the military do not hit the main camps of the bandits.
“Reports from Mutu in Gusau and Tsafe Local Government Areas, Tangaram in Anka Local Government and Dumburum in Zurmi Local Government Area, among others, are that the areas shelled were not the actual hideouts of the bandits and the victims were innocent civilians.”
He then further noted that the armed bandits will continue with their attacks if the air strikes after mis-directed to hit their camps.
In his words, “the main camps of the bandits are taken over and security personnel stationed there for a considerable period of time”.
“This will deprive the bandits’ territory, mobility and supply routes, thus securing all surrounding areas,” he added.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier claimed to destroy eights camps belonging to the armed bandits in Doumborou, Sububu, West Malamawa, Baturia Pond, Kagara Forest, Kamarawa, Kunduma and Rugu Forest.
