The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), a prominent voice for the Northern region, has urged the military to reevaluate its strategies and tactics in addressing the insecurity plaguing both the North and the entire country.
In a statement released to the media in Kaduna on Monday and signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Muhammad Baba, the ACF expressed its concerns.
The statement highlighted the shocking military airstrike that occurred in two communities within Silame Local Government Area on Wednesday, December 25, 2024.
This tragic incident resulted in the deaths of ten individuals, while many others sustained injuries.
“The Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, in reaction visited the communities and took part in funeral obsequies for the deceased, condoled the community while reassuring the injured of prompt medical attention at Government expenses.
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) commends the Sokoto State Government for the prompt response and calls on those concerned to double up efforts to see that the Governor’s promises are carried out without delay.
“ACF is deeply troubled and saddened by the Silame incident, as one far too many in the country. This was not an isolated incident as the memories of similar attack on Tudun Biri community, Kaduna State, about a year ago, and earlier in Adamawa and Nasarawa states, with their gruesome statistics of casualties, remain fresh in memory.
ACF remains unequivocally supportive of our military and other security forces in their determination to stamp out terrorism and all forms of criminality in Nigeria.
“None should be in doubt about such support, and ACF calls on all patriotic Nigeria to extend same support to the security forces. It is just unacceptable that terrorists and criminal elements of all hues should not be allowed to hold the Nation to ransom through their anti-people activities.
“That said, incidents such as that at Silame (and others before it) and the statistics of their impacts on innocent citizens are assuming a most disturbing pattern with the human costs unacceptable.
“The Silame disaster is simply one far too many. The bland response of a spokesperson of the military insisting that the attack was on a planned target was most insensitive.
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ACF recalls that the Defence Headquarters had initially attempted to wish away the Tudun Biri tragedy only to later admit it as a mistake, as indeed proved so by its own internal investigations. It is not clear if indeed those responsible for Tudun biri had been punished as ought to have been.
“With the debacle at Silame, it is clear, in the least, that lessons had been learnt and, more importantly, applied as steps to avert the “errors”
ACF extends its condolences and sympathies to the people of Silame, the Government of Sokoto State on the incident and prays that Almighty God provides all with the strength to bear the loses.
“As in the past in the wake of such tragedies, ACF calls on the Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) and the Military High Command to conduct thorough investigations into the Silame incidents with results made public and assurances that concrete steps, as opposed to the usual bland assurances or lip service, will be taken to avert such tragic incidents. Never again must anyone, anywhere suffer such costs as these clearly avoidable “mistakes” bring.
Additionally, ACF insists that compensation be paid for those who suffered death and injuries in line with Islamic legal principles and injunctions in the community;
The Sokoto State Government should insist that the right things, as called for here, are done. The Government should also extend further assistance to the members of the community as they embark on rebuilding their lives and livelihoods;
Calls on humanitarian and relief organisations, well-to-do individuals and other members of the public to extend support and relief to the people of Silame Community in their hour of needs in the aftermath of the tragedy;
“As it did with Tudun Biri, ACF recommends that all promises made or to be made to the Silame community and victims of the attack, in particular, will be fulfilled in the shortest time possible. Corrupt, unscrupulous or unsympathetic elements must not be allowed any room to selfishly corner any relief materials meant for the victims, as has sadly become usual in the aftermath of disasters. Absolutely no one should be allowed to benefit from the misery of the victims of the bomb blast.”
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