A military airstrike in Yauni community, Zakka ward of Safana Local Government Area, Katsina State, has reportedly claimed the lives of six family members, sparking concerns over collateral damage in the ongoing fight against insecurity.
According to Daily Trust, the incident occurred following a deadly confrontation between security forces and armed bandits who had allegedly planned to disrupt the local government elections held on Saturday, February 15, 2025.
Sources revealed that security operatives, including the police and members of the state-owned Community Watch Corps (CWC), mobilized to counter the bandits’ attack on voters in Zakka village.
A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in the deaths of two police officers and a CWC operative, while another officer who sustained injuries later succumbed.
In an apparent effort to reinforce security operations, a military fighter jet reportedly launched an airstrike in Yauni, south of Zakka.
However, the attack tragically struck a residential area, killing six members of a single family and leaving a woman injured.
A local resident, who spoke anonymously, linked the tragic incident to the ongoing security operations in the area.
“The airstrike might have been intended to target the fleeing bandits, but it unfortunately hit innocent civilians,” the source lamented.