Over 8000 Displaced By Military Airstrike -Niger Government

The Niger State government has revealed that about 8,150 persons were  been displaced from Galadima-Kogo and environs in Shiroro LGA of the state following a recent airstrike.

The airstrike, which occurred on Tuesday, was said to have affected herders who were waiting to transport their cattle when an aircraft bombed the area.

The Nasarawa government said it buried 37 persons after the incident, while the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) said the explosion killed 31 herders.

The airstrike was said to have affected Nasarawa, Benue, and Niger states, with several vigilantes reported to have died in Niger state.

Speaking on Saturday, Ahmed Matane, secretary to the Niger state government, said the aircraft belongs to the Nigerian Air Force, adding that it was not “a mysterious aircraft” as being rumoured.

He said the government is also aware of the presence of IDPs in the area.

Matane said the government is in discussion with the Shiroro local government council officials and the management of facilities in the area that provide shelter for the IDPs.

“We are doing assessment to deal with the matter and we are also dealing with the issue of those who lost their lives from the angle of security personnel that were accidentally affected,” he said.

“We have recorded some deaths and are attending to the injured in hospitals.

“Relief materials are being processed to take to victims and government wants to ensure that security is provided at the IDP camps.”