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Accidental bombing: Military blames Sokoto villagers as ex-gov, others demand probe
He stated this during his visit to the troops of Operation FASAN YANMA at 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto.
The CDS said this in response to the Christmas day bombing of civilians in two communities in the Silame Local Government by the Nigerian Air Force.
An airstrike, intended to neutralise Lakurawa terrorists, mistakenly hit Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities, killing at least 10 villagers and leaving several others wounded.
However, Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Sokoto governor, Aminu Tambuwal, have called for an impartial investigation into the incident.
But speaking to journalists on the accidental bombing, Musa hinted that the villagers were to blame for allegedly harbouring terrorists, insisting that the military would not take any responsibility for attacks on any community hobnobbing with the militants.
He stated, “I want to call on everyone not to harbour any suspected criminals in their midst, be it Lakurawa or Bandits, they should expose them and leave their vicinity.
“The military is not going to take it lightly with any criminals disturbing the peace of the nation, we are dealing with them and we are coming for the rest.
“We have individuals that still harbour them and once you do that you are making yourself a legitimate target. We will appeal, do not harbour them, do not live with them to avoid being a legitimate target.
“Please, do not hang around them, do not give them any support in whatever ways because once you do that, you are making yourself a target.’’
He added, “The incident that happened yesterday was an operation we did, we follow up and we try as much as we can to avoid any mistakes; if there are other mistakes that came up in the operation, we will investigate.
“We did our homework, we have the video of everything that happened and we are going to investigate”
While calling on the media not to give the bandits or other criminal elements much publicity, the CDS said the country would not allow any foreign military base on Nigerian soil.
He called Niger, Chad, Benin and other neighbouring countries to cooperate with Nigeria in dealing with the enemies of peace.
Speaking to the troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA, during the luncheon, he said, “I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to every one of you for your unwavering dedication and sacrifices in ensuring the safety and security of Nigeria, particularly in your deployment to the Joint Task Force Northwest Operation FANSAN YAMMA.
“Despite the inherent challenges, your daily commitment to duty in the field remains a source of inspiration to us all and further exemplifies the true spirit of patriotism required for defeating the threats to our nation’s peace and stability.’’
“The recent deployment of the Special Operations Brigade and some combat enablers to dislodge and eliminate the Lakurawa terrorists from their camps in Sokoto and Kebbi States, and the successes so far achieved is a testament to our commitment to resolving and combating all security threats across the theatres of operations.
“Accordingly, and under my leadership, the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to sustain its operational tempo and posture across military deployments both home and abroad,” he reassured.
He encouraged the troops to gear up for the challenges ahead by ensuring victory across all the theatres of operations.
“The coming year presents us with an opportunity to make significant progress in overcoming the challenges confronting our nation.
“Together, we must strive to ensure that the Year 2025 is marked by transformative victories in all our operational theatres, particularly in Operation FANSAN YAMMA,” he noted.
The CDS pledged the necessary support and resources to the troops to carry out their tasks effectively.
Musa later visited the military hospital to check on some troops receiving treatment.
Meanwhile, Governor Aliyu has visited the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities to assess the damage and offer condolences to the victims’ families.
The governor announced a donation of N20 million and 100 bags of assorted food items for the grieving families.
The National Emergency Management Agency disclosed this in a statement on X.com on Thursday.
“The bomb which was launched by a fighter jet was meant to attack the Lakurawa terrorist in the area but landed in Gidan Bisa and Runtawa communities.
“The Sokoto State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu in the company of Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamako among other stakeholders visited the affected communities to see for himself and condoled with the families of the victims and members of the communities.”
In a separate statement on X.com late Wednesday, Aliyu conveyed his condolences to the families who lost loved ones in the attack, describing the event as “heartbreaking” and an “avoidable loss of life.”
His statement partly read, “This heartbreaking event, caused by an accidental misfire from the Nigerian Army, has claimed the lives of innocent citizens and left several others injured.
“As your governor, I am deeply saddened by this avoidable loss of life. On behalf of the government and the people of Sokoto State, I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families who have lost their loved ones. We also pray for the swift recovery of those injured in this unfortunate incident.”
“The donation is intended to provide financial support for funeral arrangements and medical bills for those still recovering in hospitals due to their injuries,” he wrote.
Aliyu also reassured the public that he is in constant communication with the leadership of the Nigerian Army to ensure a full investigation into the circumstances that led to the tragedy.
“The state government will take all necessary steps to support the affected families and collaborate with relevant authorities to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future,” he added.
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 elections, Atiku Abubakar, condemned the airstrike that claimed the lives of civilians and left others injured in Sokoto State.
Reacting to the incident in a post via his X handle on Thursday, Atiku described the airstrike as devastating, outrageous and condemnable.
The former Vice President stated that the indiscriminate killing of innocent citizens can never be justified, describing it as a failure and a gross violation of humanity.
He wrote, “The devastating airstrike that claimed the lives of nearly a dozen innocent civilians and left many others wounded in the peaceful communities of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa in Sokoto State is an outrage that must be condemned in the strongest terms.
“But this tragedy begs the question: What have we truly learnt from the heart-wrenching losses of the past? On December 3, 2023, tens of innocent lives were lost in a brutal airstrike on a religious gathering at Tudun Biri, near Kaduna. How many more lives must be lost before we take action?
“While targeting terrorists is a legitimate goal, these strikes must be carried out with unmatched precision and based on irrefutable intelligence. The indiscriminate killing of innocent citizens — our brothers, our sisters, our neighbours— can never be justified. It is not only a failure but a gross violation of humanity itself.”
Ex-governor Tambuwal expressed shock and condemned the tragic airstrike on the two communities.
Senator Tambuwal in a statement extended his deepest sympathy to the grieving families and pledged solidarity with the people of Silame during this difficult time.
“This tragedy has not only robbed families of their loved ones but also caused immense suffering in these communities.
“The victims of this airstrike were innocent, hardworking citizens with no involvement in criminal activities. It is deeply upsetting that they should bear the brunt of such a tragic mistake,” he said.
He further expressed his condolences to the government and people of Sokoto State, stating, “During this painful time, my thoughts are with you as you cope with this devastating loss. May you find strength and comfort as you navigate these trying circumstances.”
While acknowledging the need to combat the threats posed by groups like Lakurawa and armed bandits, Tambuwal emphasised the crucial importance of conducting military operations with the utmost care, precision, and accountability.
“The loss of civilian lives during operations intended to protect us is unacceptable and must be thoroughly investigated,” he declared.
He called on the relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive and impartial inquiry into the incident and ensure that justice is served for the victims and their families.
The senator urged all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and security of citizens and strengthen measures to prevent such devastating mistakes in the future.
He added, “In this challenging time, let us come together as a nation to support the affected families and work towards restoring peace, stability, and security in our communities. May the souls of the departed rest in peace, and may the injured recover swiftly.”
PUNCH
The Nigerian Defence Academy has released the list of successful and reserve candidates for admission into the 78 Regular Combatant Course.
The Academy said the Armed Forces Selection Board exercise for the 78 Regular Course was conducted between July 4 and August 19, 2026, after which successful candidates were offered admission.
According to a statement issued by the Academy Registrar, Brigadier General OA Ogunleye, successful candidates are required to report to the NDA Ribadu Campus (Old Site), Kaduna, on Saturday, September 12, 2026.
The Academy warned that candidates who fail to report by Monday, September 14, 2026, will forfeit their admission.
It said only candidates who were offered admission are expected to report, adding that they would be received at the Drill Shed, NDA Old Site, Ribadu Cantonment.
Candidates on the reserve list, according to the Academy, may be offered admission as vacancies arise. Such candidates will be contacted through their registered email addresses and telephone numbers.
Successful candidates have been directed to report with the original copies of their credentials, including their First School Leaving Certificate, Primary School Testimonial, WAEC or NECO results, Senior Secondary School Testimonial, Birth Certificate or Declaration of Age, and Letter of State of Origin.
They are also required to present the original, duly endorsed Parent/Guardian Consent Form. The Academy stressed that photocopies of the required documents would not be accepted.
“Any candidate who fails to present originals of the stated documents will not be accepted into the Academy,” the notice stated.
In addition to their academic and personal documents, candidates are expected to come with specified clothing, footwear, sportswear, bedding and other personal items.
The required items include black and white trousers, a dark-coloured lounge suit, national dress, black cover shoes, white and brown canvas shoes, football boots, a hockey stick, white shirts, socks, bed sheets and a pressing iron.
Female candidates are additionally required to bring black low-heel cover shoes, dark-coloured lounge skirts, black or blue short tights and trouser suits.
The NDA also directed all selected candidates to upload their O’Level results on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board portal before reporting to the Academy.
Candidates who were not offered their preferred academic departments are required to log into the JAMB portal and effect the necessary change.
The Academy further instructed all successful candidates to accept their admission through the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System before reporting to the institution.
It warned that newly admitted candidates would not be permitted to receive visitors or leave the Academy during the first three months of their training.
The Academy urged all selected candidates and their parents or guardians to comply strictly with the admission requirements and reporting instructions.
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has defended the inclusion of a person under investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in President Bola Tinubu’s campaign structure for the 2027 presidential election.
Wike argued that being investigated by the EFCC does not automatically bar an individual from participating in political activities or canvassing votes for a candidate.
The minister spoke on Wednesday during a media parley he hosted, which was aired on Channels Television.
His comments followed controversy over the inclusion of former Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Betta Edu, in the campaign structure for Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Edu was listed as the Director of Women Mobilisation in the All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Council. She was suspended by President Tinubu in January 2024 following allegations of financial impropriety and was subsequently investigated by the EFCC.
Wike questioned the criticism surrounding her appointment, arguing that an ongoing investigation should not be equated with a conviction.
“You (the media) were asking the moral justification of putting someone who has an EFCC case to be in a campaign council,” Wike said.
He added that it would be inconsistent to prevent someone under investigation from campaigning while people who had faced criminal cases were allowed to contest elections.
“Now, somebody cannot be in a campaign to canvass for votes for a particular person, but somebody who has an EFCC case can contest an election and win an election?” he asked.
Wike noted that there had been instances where individuals facing criminal allegations contested elections and eventually won.
“This person had an EFCC case in court, charged to court. He contested an election and became a governor,” he said, without identifying the person.
The former Rivers State governor further argued that even a person serving a prison sentence could express political support for a candidate.
“Even a prisoner… maybe they have somebody in prison. I go and visit the person. The person can tell me, ‘My brother, I want you to support so-and-so candidate.’ A prisoner has canvassed for vote,” he said.
Wike also referred to an unnamed individual allegedly linked to a coup plot, saying that the person had similarly participated in political mobilisation.
He questioned why someone being investigated by the EFCC should be barred from campaigning for a political candidate.
“I was watching, when Channels, when Sunrise, who came up to say, ‘Ah, how can somebody who’s being looked for as a coup plotter is now canvassing for votes for so-and-so government?’ Somebody EFCC is looking for is now canvassing for votes for so-and-so person,” Wike said.
He added, “But… a party, or a candidate cannot, simply because EFCC is investigating the person, cannot be a member of the campaign council to campaign for votes.”
APC Defends Edu
The controversy over Edu’s inclusion had earlier prompted the APC campaign council to defend her participation.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, a spokesperson for the campaign council, Kemi Asekun-Shittu, said it would be unfair to prevent Edu from participating in political activities simply because she was under investigation.
She stressed that Edu had not been found guilty of any offence.
“I’d like to say that for Betta Edu, for example, she has not been found guilty. And it will be unfair to ask that she leaves her life or refuses to live her life until the EFCC declares her,” Asekun-Shittu said.
She added that the former minister deserved an opportunity to re-engage with the party while awaiting the outcome of the investigation.
“We believe that there is very likely the issue that she may not be found guilty,” she said.
Asekun-Shittu further argued that every Nigerian was entitled to participate in politics, adding that the campaign council was an internal party structure and that the APC had the authority to determine who would serve on it.
She, however, noted that the list was not final and could still be reviewed.
Edu has not been publicly declared guilty of any offence in connection with the EFCC investigation.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has invited 3,852 successful candidates for physical screening and documentation as it concludes its 2024/2025 recruitment exercise.
The screening exercise will take place at the Nigeria Customs Command and Staff College, Gwagwalada, Abuja.
The development was announced on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Deputy Comptroller of Customs and National Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Maiwada, on behalf of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi.
The Service directed all shortlisted candidates to appear on the dates assigned to their respective states and cadres, stressing that attendance is compulsory.
Candidates are required to come with the original and photocopies of their relevant documents, including their National Identification Number (NIN), original birth certificate or declaration of age, and educational certificates such as O’Level, ND, HND or degree certificates, where applicable.
They are also expected to present a certificate of state of origin, two recent passport photographs, a completed guarantor’s form and an NYSC certificate, where applicable.
The candidates were further instructed to wear a white T-shirt, shorts and canvas shoes for the physical screening.
The Customs Service warned that any candidate who fails to appear as scheduled could be disqualified from the recruitment process.
The latest development comes nearly two years after the recruitment exercise commenced in December 2024.
The prolonged recruitment process had generated concerns among applicants, prompting the Customs management to apologise for the delay when the final list was released in August.
According to Adeniyi, the recruitment exercise attracted 573,680 applications, making it one of the most competitive recruitment exercises in the history of the Service.
Only 3,852 candidates were eventually selected for appointment across three cadres, representing a success rate of 0.67 per cent, or approximately one successful candidate for every 148 applicants.
The Superintendent Cadre accounted for 1,275 successful candidates from 276,995 applications, while 367 candidates were selected for the Inspectorate Cadre from 128,604 applications.
The Customs Assistant Cadre had the highest number of successful candidates, with 2,210 selected from 168,081 applications.
The figures mean that competition was toughest in the Inspectorate Cadre, where approximately one candidate was selected for every 350 applicants. In the Superintendent Cadre, the ratio was about one successful candidate to 217 applicants, while the Customs Assistant Cadre had roughly one successful candidate for every 76 applicants.
Earlier in the recruitment process, shortlisted candidates were required to update their information on the recruitment portal, upload medical certificates of fitness issued by government-recognised hospitals and accept their provisional offers of appointment.
With the physical screening and documentation now underway, candidates who successfully complete the exercise are expected to receive further instructions on the next stages of the recruitment process.
The Customs Service also renewed its warning against fraudsters seeking to exploit applicants.
Adeniyi stressed that recruitment into the Service was entirely free and advised candidates not to pay anyone in exchange for employment.
“No candidate has paid, and no candidate should pay, any person or group for a place on this list,” he said, warning that anyone who solicits money on behalf of the Service should be reported to the appropriate authorities.
The Comptroller-General also announced plans to introduce an annual recruitment cycle for the Service, ending the previous practice of conducting recruitment irregularly.
According to him, future recruitment exercises will follow a predictable yearly schedule and are expected to be completed within one calendar year, from advertisement to the release of the final list.
The 2026 recruitment exercise is expected to commence later this year.
Hundreds of youths and women on Monday took to the streets in Burutu, headquarters of Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State, protesting the poor condition of the government hospital and other deteriorating infrastructure in the area.
The protesters marched to the local government secretariat, where they accused the council chairman, Julius Takeme, of poor performance and neglect of basic amenities.
They alleged that the government hospital in Burutu had deteriorated to the point where it could no longer adequately serve residents, and called for the immediate deployment of qualified doctors, nurses and midwives to the facility.
“We are tired of dying in a hospital without drugs and doctors. The hospital building is also collapsing, yet the council chairman appears unconcerned,” one of the protesters said.
The demonstrators also demanded the construction and rehabilitation of roads and drainage systems across the local government area.
Other demands included improved electricity supply, as well as greater transparency and accountability in the management of council funds.
The youths expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the council administration and vowed to sustain the protest until their demands were addressed.
A protest leader said, “We will continue this protest until the LGA does the needful for our people. Burutu deserves better. We pay taxes and deserve basic services.”
The protesters also appealed to the Delta State Government to urgently intervene, particularly in the healthcare sector, to alleviate what they described as the suffering of residents.
However, as of the time of filing this report, there was no official reaction from the office of the council chairman.
As the 2027 Governorship election draws near, the heartbeat of Ndi Ebonyi are *sealing the deal for Anyichuks Odii*!
His records as a private citizen with no political appointment or contracts points to a candidate who lives determined life to change the People’s destiny. The records of a Nwifuru has shown that he’s not serious about governance, nor improving the lives of Ndi Ebonyi, hence the systematic shift to another candidate, and *ANYICHUKS ODII SEEMS TO BE THE BENEFICIARY*. The analysis points to a man who really cares, empathizes and will work to raise the hope and the realities the people expect.
His *Ebele & Anyichuks Foundation* has touched lives, built schools, provided houses for the underprivileged, provided scholarships for thousands, sponsor youths for sports training as well as various vocational trainings, and supported them with seed money, partnerd with farmers to expand their cultivation fields and supported them with millions to make their families more liveable.
*EBONYI WILL RISE WITH ANYICHUKS ODII*; no wonder the massive endorsements coming from all quarters; Igbo Groups and the Christian organizations because they have seen a man dedicated to their tomorrow.
Indeed the *Tomorrow of Ndi Ebonyi will rest in the arms of Anyichuks Odii*! Let’s not play it down.
Dr. Kenneth Okey Anozie
Political Strategist..
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