US-backed NAF airstrikes mistakenly kill scores of civilians in Borno

Scores of civilians were mistakenly killed in airstrikes by the Nigeria Air Force in the Mararaba area in Kukawa Local Government Council of Borno State.

The NAF fighter jet reportedly targeted the members of the Islamic State in West Arica Province, ISWAP, but tragically bombed civilians leading to unspecified number of casualties.

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Sources within the security circle said, the operation started from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Nigeria Air Force was said to be launching special operations supported by the United States Army, after it vowed to protect civilians.

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The casualties include fishermen and commercial drivers who gathered at a terminus junction of the road that leads to Daban Masara in Kukawa and the Badeiri in Marte LGA.

The commercial drivers had gathered in the area to convey both the fish products and fishermen to their destinations.

Vehicles waiting in turns to convey fisher marketers were said to have been hit by air bombs.

Confirming the incident, another source explained that he could see 10 burnt vehicles with Borno number, stating that the number of dead persons could not be ascertain immediately.

He also said, some injured persons were immediately evacuated to the nearest medical facility in Monguno for medical attention.

The Air Force authority was yet to confirm in a statement as at Monday afternoon.

Also confirming the incident, a security expert, Brant Philip wrote: “Reports indicate these vehicles belonged to fishermen, not ISWAP, and there were large civilian casualties in the Nigerian Air Force airstrikes yesterday in Borno State.”

“Over 10,000 fishermen work in ISWAP territory, paying taxes to the proto-state who guarantees them security from bandits and rival group Boko Haram (JAS), it’s not unusual at all for civilians to be working and living in these areas, the NAF should release a statement soon to clarify the incident,” he added.

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