BREAKING: Multiple Casualties Feared as Nigerian Air Force Bombs Katsina Community

An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force in Katsina State has reportedly resulted in several casualties. The incident occurred Thursday morning in Shawu village, located in Ruwan Godiya district, Faskari Local Government Area.

Eyewitnesses claim the airstrike, intended to target bandits in the region, mistakenly hit the community, though officials have offered conflicting accounts. The exact number of casualties remains unclear at this time.

Salihu Bamle Bakatsine, a Katsina State resident, shared details of the incident on social media, writing:
“Moments ago, the Nigerian Air Force mistakenly bombarded Shawu community. Several people have been confirmed dead, and many others injured. May the Almighty have mercy on those who lost their lives, grant healing to the injured, and ease our suffering.”

However, Katsina’s Commissioner for Internal Security, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, dismissed claims of an accidental strike, stating the operation was a deliberate precision attack targeting terrorists.

“The idea that this was accidental is false. The strike was intentional, aimed at terrorists, not civilians. The military conducted surveillance and identified the coordinates before the operation,” he said.

Dr. Mu’azu added that Shawu had become a hub for criminal activity:
“Shawu has been known to harbor bandits and other terrorists, making it a necessary target.”

Similarly, the chairman of Faskari Local Government, Musa Ado Faskari, supported the operation, stating:
“The airstrike was precise. Bandits have infiltrated the community, and unfortunately, such measures are necessary. Most law-abiding residents had already fled Shawu due to the high presence of bandits.”

While local officials confirmed four deaths, the total number of injured individuals is still being assessed.