The Nigerian Air Force launched successful air strikes on a large gathering of armed bandits attending a wedding ceremony at Asaula Hills, in Yankuzo Ward, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
According to Zagazola Makama, the precision strike was carried out on Tuesday, August 5, based on credible intelligence.
The strike was executed at about 1600 hours and caught the criminals by surprise at the peak of the celebration.
The sources said that the intelligence revealed that scores of bandits from different enclaves were converging at Asaula Hill, a rugged, elevated terrain for a mass wedding ceremony.
The sources said that at exactly 1444 hours, field reports confirmed the presence of a large number of heavily armed bandits, some on over 100 motorcycles, assembled at the location.
The source said: “In response, the air component of Operation Fansan Yamma, under the Nigerian Air Force’s Sector 2 Command, immediately deployed a fighter jet to engage the target,” the source said.
“The wedding brought together bandit factions from Faskari and Kankara LGAs in Katsina State, and other enclaves across Zamfara.
“Dozens were neutralised instantly, while many others were critically injured. The survivors were seen evacuating the wounded to Yankuzo village for treatment.
Investigation revealed that further reconnaissance and follow-up intelligence indicated that at least 10 identifiable bodies were recovered by the evening of the strike, while several others were burnt beyond recognition.
Local informants reported that no fewer than 33 injured bandits were receiving makeshift treatment at the Comprehensive Health Centre in Yankuzo and in nearby hamlets.
It is believed that the number of fatalities might be higher, considering the scale of the gathering and the intensity of the bombardment.