An airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has mistakenly hit two communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, resulting in the deaths of at least 10 villagers and injuries to several others, The PUNCH has reports.
The affected villages, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, are situated near the Surame Forest, a well-known hideout for the Lakurawa sect and bandits. The incident disrupted what was expected to be a peaceful holiday for the residents.
Eyewitnesses revealed that the airstrike occurred around 7 a.m., raining bombs on innocent villagers.
Malam Yahya, a resident of Silame, expressed shock over the attack, saying, “The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping. No fewer than 10 people were killed, and many others sustained injuries.
The Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, Abubakar Daftarana, confirmed the incident, describing it as devastating. “The villagers were innocent and peace-loving people with no criminal record. We are still assessing the extent of the casualties and damage,” Daftarana said.
The Nigerian Air Force vowed to investigate the incident. NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, assured the public that the operation was based on credible intelligence and aerial surveillance but pledged a thorough investigation into the reported civilian casualties.
The airstrikes were conducted based on intelligence from multiple sources. However, reports of harm to civilians are deeply concerning and will be thoroughly investigated,” Akinboyewa said.
In a separate statement, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma, reiterated that military operations in the area were guided by rigorous intelligence to ensure precision.
The targets struck near Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group,” Abdullah explained. “We urge the public to rely on verified information and understand the risks of disinformation by terrorist groups aiming to discredit military successes.
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