The Northern Star Initiative has condemned an aerial bombing in Sokoto State that reportedly killed at least ten civilians and destroyed property in Gidan Bida and Runtawa communities, Silame Local Government Area.

The group’s Director General, Dr. Abdullahi Idris, made this known in a statement issued in Kaduna on Friday.

He described the incident as “deeply troubling” and called for an independent investigation to uncover the truth behind the attack.

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“There are conflicting accounts of the incident between the villagers, state officials, and military authorities,” Idris said.

“However, what is incontrovertible is the fact that the communities were bombed and innocent persons died.”

Dr. Idris linked the incident to a pattern of alleged military mishaps, referencing a similar bombing last year in Kaduna’s Tudun Biri community during a peaceful Eid-el-Maulud celebration.

“These errors are becoming too frequent and too costly in terms of human lives,” he said.

The advocacy group called on the federal government to establish an independent, high-level investigative committee to ensure accountability and justice for the victims.

“An independent high-level investigation should be carried out immediately, and those found liable should be punished.

“Adequate and commensurate compensation should also be given to those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate incident.”

Dr. Idris urged military authorities to implement urgent measures to prevent further civilian casualties in military operations, stressing the need to protect human lives and uphold accountability.

The Nigerian government has dismissed allegations by Niger Republic’s military leader, Gen Abdourahamane Tchiani, accusing Nigeria of collaborating with France to destabilize his country.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the claims as “baseless” and without merit.

The statement reads, “These claims exist solely in the realm of imagination. Nigeria has never engaged in any overt or covert alliance with France — or any other country — to sponsor terrorist attacks or destabilize the Niger Republic.”

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The Federal Government emphasized that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his capacity as Chairman of ECOWAS, has demonstrated exemplary leadership in addressing Niger’s political crisis.

Despite the military takeover in Niger, Tinubu has prioritized dialogue and diplomacy, the statement noted.

“Nigeria remains committed to fostering peace, harmony, and historic diplomatic ties with Niger,” Idris said.

In response to claims that Nigeria supports terrorist activities, including harboring the so-called Lakurawa group, the government underscored its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism in the region. Recently, Nigerian security forces launched Operation Forest Sanity III, codenamed Operation Chase Lakurawa Out, targeting the group’s activities.

“It is absurd to suggest that Nigeria, a regional leader in combating terrorism, would conspire with foreign powers to undermine peace and security in Niger,” Idris stated.

The government also dismissed allegations that Nigeria seeks to sabotage Niger’s economy, pointing instead to its active role in joint development projects like the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline and the Kano-Maradi Railway.

“These accusations are illogical and counterproductive. Nigeria has consistently supported Niger’s economic development through joint energy and infrastructure projects,” Idris noted.

Nigeria accused General Tchiani of using the allegations as a diversion from Niger’s internal challenges and a ploy to undermine ECOWAS’s stance on unconstitutional changes in government.

Idris said, “Those making such claims must provide credible evidence to substantiate them. Any attempt to blackmail Nigeria over ECOWAS’s principled stance against the unconstitutional seizure of power in Niger Republic is both disingenuous and doomed to fail.”

The Nigerian government urged the leadership in Niger to focus on addressing domestic challenges and fostering regional cooperation.

The statement added “President Tchiani’s unfounded claims are a dangerous distraction. Nigeria remains committed to regional stability and will continue to lead efforts to combat terrorism and promote development across West Africa.”

German President, Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Friday officially dissolved the Bundestag and announced February 23, 2025, as the date for an early general election.

The move comes after Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s government collapsed last month amid internal disputes over economic policies.

The political crisis became compounded by last week’s deadly car-ramming attack at a Christmas market in Berlin, which has reignited national debates over security and immigration, setting the stage for a contentious campaign period.

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In a televised address, Steinmeier stressed the need for political stability, calling on parties and candidates to uphold democratic principles during the election campaign.

“Hatred and violence must have no place in this election campaign, nor denigration or intimidation… all this is poison for democracy,” he said.

The president also warned about the dangers of foreign interference, particularly on social media.

“The campaign must be conducted with fair and transparent means,” Steinmeier said, adding that “foreign influence… which is particularly intense on X,” the platform owned by billionaire Elon Musk, poses a significant threat.

Steinmeier emphasized the gravity of the challenges awaiting Germany’s next government, citing the “economically unstable situation,” ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, and divisive issues like immigration and climate change.

Scholz will remain in office as a caretaker chancellor until a new coalition is formed, a process that could take months depending on the outcome of the election.

The election campaign is expected to be highly charged, with security and economic recovery emerging as key battlegrounds.