Several civilians have reportedly been killed following a military airstrike on Guradnayi, a settlement near Kusasu in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, in another incident highlighting concerns over accidental bombings in conflict affected communities.

Residents and local sources said the incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday as security forces reportedly carried out aerial operations targeting terrorists operating within the area.

A resident of Kusasu, Auta Awododo, told reporters that the airstrike happened around 5 a.m. and claimed that no fewer than 12 people were killed in a relative’s house in Guradnayi.

According to him, many of the victims were residents of Kusasu who had fled their homes due to persistent terrorist attacks in surrounding communities.

“Twelve people were killed in the house,” he said, adding that one of the victims was his cousin’s son.

Local residents alleged that armed terrorists riding on motorcycles had passed through the area while military aircraft were pursuing them.

One resident claimed that the first bomb was dropped near a river in Kusasu, while another explosion occurred in Guradnayi.

The Nigerian Air Force had yet to issue an official statement on the incident as of the time of filing this report. Enquiries sent to the Air Force spokesperson, Ehimen Ejodame, were reportedly unanswered.

A local political figure, who spoke anonymously, expressed concern over the recurring loss of civilian lives during military operations in the area.

“What is painful is that this is not the first time such an incident has happened,” the source said.

Shiroro Local Government Area has witnessed several accidental airstrike incidents in recent years. In 2022, a fighter jet reportedly killed six minors in Kurebe community, while another military airstrike allegedly claimed eight civilian lives in the same area months later.

Residents said some terrorists may also have been killed during the latest operation, although civilians were among the casualties.

A local vigilante member monitoring security activities in the area stated that the terrorists later moved from Shiroro into neighbouring Munya Local Government Area.

According to the source, armed groups were reportedly sighted operating around Kabula near Kuchi, where they allegedly rustled cattle from several communities.

There was no immediate confirmation of further attacks, abductions or killings in the affected communities at the time of this report.