admin The village of Tungar-Kara in Zamfara State, Nigeria was rocked by tragedy on January 12, 2025 when a military airstrike, intended to target fleeing bandits, mistakenly claimed the lives of several innocent civilians. In the aftermath of this devastating incident, Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar, who represents Zamfara West Senatorial District, has expressed deep sorrow and condolences to the affected families.
In a statement released by his media office, Senator Yari conveyed his heartfelt sympathies, calling for calm and unity in the face of this tragic loss. “I am deeply saddened by the unfortunate incident that has claimed the lives of our innocent citizens in Tungar-Kara,” the senator said. “My heart goes out to the families who have lost their loved ones, and I pray for the quick recovery of those who were injured.”
The airstrike, which occurred in the Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara, was part of the ongoing military operations aimed at combating the persistent problem of banditry that has plagued the region for years. However, this particular operation went awry, with the strikes inadvertently hitting civilians instead of the intended targets.
“The military has been working tirelessly to address the issue of banditry in Zamfara, and we commend their efforts,” Senator Yari acknowledged. “But in this instance, the operation has resulted in unintended casualties, and we must ensure that such mistakes are avoided in the future to prevent further loss of innocent lives.”
The senator called for a thorough investigation into the incident to ascertain the circumstances surrounding the mistaken airstrike and to hold those responsible accountable. He also urged the military to exercise greater caution and precision in their operations, prioritizing the protection of civilian lives while pursuing their mission to eliminate the menace of bandits.
“We must learn from this tragedy and implement measures to enhance the accuracy and precision of our military operations,” Senator Yari emphasized. “The safety and well-being of our people must always be the top priority, even as we strive to address the security challenges in our state.”
The Tragic Toll of Banditry in Zamfara
The Tungar-Kara incident is the latest in a long line of tragedies that have befallen the people of Zamfara State due to the scourge of banditry. For years, the region has been plagued by a wave of violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings perpetrated by organized criminal gangs known as bandits.
These armed groups have terrorized communities, targeting innocent civilians, disrupting agricultural activities, and causing widespread displacement and economic hardship. The situation has become so dire that the Nigerian government has declared Zamfara a “no-fly zone” and deployed additional military resources to combat the bandits.
“The people of Zamfara have endured immense suffering at the hands of these bandits,” Senator Yari lamented. “They have lost loved ones, had their livelihoods destroyed, and live in constant fear for their safety. This tragedy in Tungar-Kara is just one more painful chapter in a long and harrowing saga.”
The senator emphasized the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustained approach to address the root causes of the banditry crisis in Zamfara. This, he said, would require a multi-faceted strategy involving security operations, socio-economic development, and community engagement.
“We must not only focus on the military aspect of the problem, but also address the underlying issues that have fueled the rise of banditry in our state,” Senator Yari explained. “Poverty, unemployment, and the lack of basic social services have all contributed to the proliferation of these criminal gangs, and we must tackle these challenges head-on.”
The senator called for increased investment in infrastructure, education, and job creation programs to provide viable alternatives and opportunities for the youth in Zamfara. He also stressed the importance of strengthening community-based security initiatives and fostering greater collaboration between the government, security agencies, and local leaders to enhance intelligence-gathering and the effectiveness of counter-insurgency operations.
“Only through a holistic and coordinated approach can we truly address the scourge of banditry and bring lasting peace and stability to Zamfara,” Senator Yari asserted. “The lives lost in Tungar-Kara must not be in vain; we owe it to them to redouble our efforts and find lasting solutions to this crisis.”
Honoring the Victims and Calling for Accountability
In his statement, Senator Yari paid tribute to the victims of the Tungar-Kara airstrike, offering his condolences to their families and praying for the speedy recovery of the injured. He described the deceased as “martyrs” and expressed his hope that they would be granted the highest place in paradise.
“These innocent lives were taken from us too soon, and we must honor their memory by ensuring that such tragic incidents do not happen again,” the senator said. “I call on the military and the relevant authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and hold those responsible accountable for this devastating mistake.”
The senator also urged the affected families to remain calm and exercise patience as the investigation unfolds, assuring them of his unwavering support and commitment to ensuring that they receive the necessary assistance and compensation.
“I understand the pain and anguish that the families of the victims must be experiencing,” Senator Yari acknowledged. “Please know that you are not alone in this difficult time, and that I will do everything in my power to ensure that justice is served and that you receive the support and care you need.”
The senator’s call for accountability and transparency in the aftermath of the Tungar-Kara incident reflects the broader demands for accountability and good governance that have been echoing across Nigeria in recent years. As the country grapples with a range of security, economic, and social challenges, there is a growing expectation that public officials and institutions must be held responsible for their actions and decisions.
“The people of Zamfara deserve to know the truth about what happened in Tungar-Kara, and they deserve to see those responsible held accountable,” Senator Yari emphasized. “Only through such accountability can we begin to rebuild trust and confidence in our institutions and ensure that such tragedies are never repeated.”
The senator’s statement also highlighted the importance of effective communication and transparency from the military and the government in the aftermath of such incidents. He called for the authorities to provide timely and accurate information to the public, and to engage with the affected communities in a meaningful and empathetic manner.
“In times of crisis, it is crucial that the government and the military communicate openly and transparently with the people,” Senator Yari said. “They must be willing to acknowledge mistakes, take responsibility, and work closely with the affected communities to address their concerns and provide the necessary support.”
Restoring Peace and Prosperity in Zamfara
As the people of Zamfara continue to grapple with the aftermath of the Tungar-Kara tragedy, Senator Yari has urged the community to remain united and steadfast in the face of adversity. He emphasized the importance of maintaining calm and avoiding any actions that could further exacerbate the situation or undermine the ongoing efforts to restore peace and security in the region.
“In the midst of this pain and sorrow, it is crucial that we come together as a community and stand united,” the senator said. “We must not allow this tragedy to divide us or to weaken our resolve to overcome the challenges we face.”
Senator Yari reiterated his commitment to working closely with the government, the military, and the local community to find lasting solutions to the banditry crisis in Zamfara. He pledged to continue advocating for increased resources, better coordination, and more effective strategies to combat the menace of the bandits and protect the lives and livelihoods of the people.
“I will not rest until we have brought an end to the scourge of banditry in Zamfara,” the senator declared. “This is not just a fight for the security of our state, but a fight for the very soul of our nation. We must prevail, and we will prevail, but it will require the collective effort and unwavering commitment of all stakeholders.”
As part of this effort, Senator Yari called for the strengthening of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and other community-based security initiatives, which have played a crucial role in supporting the military’s counter-insurgency operations and providing vital intelligence. He also emphasized the need for increased investment in social and economic development programs to address the root causes of the crisis and offer viable alternatives to the youth who may be tempted to join the ranks of the bandits.
We must not only focus on the military aspect of the problem, but also address the underlying issues of poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunities that have fueled the rise of banditry in our state,” the senator said. “By investing in the development and well-being of our communities, we can create a future of hope and prosperity that will ultimately undermine the appeal of the criminal gangs.
