16 civilians killed in Nigerian military error

KANO, Nigeria: At least 16 civilians were killed in a military air raid in the northwestern Nigerian state of Zamfara after a pilot mistook local self-defence forces for criminal gangs, residents told AFP on Sunday.

The incident was the second deadly accidental airstrike to target civilians since the December 25 bombing of two villages in a raid targeting jihadists in neighbouring Sokoto state.

Nigeria´s military has been fighting criminal gangs, known locally as bandits, who have long terrorised communities in northwestern and central Nigeria. The fighters raid villages, kill and abduct residents for ransom and burn homes after looting them.

Late on Saturday, a military jet hit a group of residents who mobilised from several neighbouring villages to confront gunmen who had attacked Dangebe village in Zurmi district, carting away livestock and burning homes, residents said.

“The group was returning to their villages after chasing away the bandits who attacked Dangebe when the fighter jet bombed them on reaching Tungar Kara village,” said one local, Sa´idu Ibrahim.