Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Muhammad Bello Yabo, based in Sokoto, has attributed the recurring accidental bombings of innocent Nigerians in the Northern region to a lack of unity among elites in the area.
The clergy expressed his concerns in response to the recent erroneous bombing incident in Kaduna State, where over 120 villagers were affected by a military airstrike.
Sheikh Bello Yabo, in a viral video, underscored the pattern of accidental bombings, emphasizing that such incidents have not occurred in the Southern part of the country.
He lamented the tragic history of mistaken bombings, citing previous incidents in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in Borno and other states.
“The bombs were dropped on innocent people by security agencies, and they would claim it was a mistake.
They once targeted IDPs in Borno. Same in Yobe, they also dropped a bomb in Nasarawa, and now it happened in Kaduna,” said the cleric, highlighting the concerning trend.
The cleric went on to assert that, to date, the military has not made any errors in bombing incidents in the southern or eastern parts of the country.
He pointedly connected the occurrence of such mishaps to the lack of unity within the Northern region.
“The North is bleeding; bandits kill us, hunger kills us, and the military that is supposed to protect us is also killing us. This is too much for us.
Who do we report to if not Allah, and we are telling him to have mercy on us and protect us,” Sheikh Bello Yabo expressed the collective anguish felt in the Northern region.
The accidental bombing in Kaduna drew national attention, with President Bola Tinubu condemning the incident and referring to it as a “bombing mishap.”
Tinubu assured Nigerians that justice would be served for the victims. The prominent political figure’s acknowledgment of the incident highlighted the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation.
As Sheikh Bello Yabo raises questions about the recurring accidental bombings, his emphasis on the lack of unity among Northern elites adds a nuanced perspective to the complex challenges faced by the region.
The call for unity resonates as a potential solution to address not only security concerns but also other pressing issues affecting the Northern population.
The intersection of religious, political, and security dynamics in Sheikh Bello Yabo’s commentary underscores the intricate nature of the challenges facing Northern Nigeria.
The repercussions of accidental bombings extend beyond immediate casualties, impacting the region’s stability, trust in security institutions, and the overall well-being of the populace.
In the wake of these concerns, the call for unity among Northern elites gains prominence as a crucial element in addressing systemic issues and fostering a more secure and cohesive environment.
The coming days will reveal the extent to which this discourse shapes public opinion, influences policy decisions, and contributes to a holistic approach in addressing the multifaceted challenges faced by the Northern region.
