Confusion as jet bombs villagers in Yobe

At least eight persons were killed in an aerial bombardment on Buhari village in Yunusari Local Government of Yobe State, on Wednesday.

At least eight persons were killed in an aerial bombardment on Buhari village in Yunusari Local Government of Yobe State, on Wednesday.

Ali Lawan, a resident, told Daily Trust that the incident occurred on Wednesday morning.

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He said residents were departing to their farms and heading for the Geidam weekly market when the mishap occurred.

Lawan said the aircraft with spot of ash and military camouflaged colour approached flew in from the eastern part of the town and fired from east to the west.

“People were really confused on who launched the attack because the Boko Haram attacks that we all know had never come through aircraft.”

“When shots were fired from the aircraft, people ran helter-skelter. Sadly, some were killed while others sustained injuries,” he added.

He said 20 people, including, men, women and children were being treated at Geidam General Hospital.

“Those with serious injuries were referred Specialist Hospital, Damaturu, and Maiduguri Teaching Hospital for treatment.”

The Chairman of Yunusari Local Government, Alhaji Bukar Gaji, confirmed the incident to our correspondent.

“Yes, it happened. We received the sad news today and the victims are currently in the hospital receiving treatment.

“We cannot say where the aircraft came from; whether from Niger Republic or Nigerian military, We don’t know; the actual picture can only be given by security forces,” he said.

Contacted, Yobe State Police Public Relations Officer, Mr Dungus Abdulkarim, said aircraft has to do with military operations and the police had no official statement on the issue.

The acting Army spokesman of Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai, Damaturu, Lt Kennedy Anyewau, could not be reached for comment.

In a Twitter response to a story on the incident, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Air Force Spokesman, denied that the force was responsible for the incident.

“This tweet is false in its entirety. The NAF last conducted a mission into Yobe State (Not Yunusari LGA) on 5 September 2021 and it was an armed recce. No bomb or missile was even expended. Thanks.”

Yunusari, a local government in Northern Yobe, shares a border with Niger Republic.