A Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrike targeting Lakurawa terrorists inadvertently struck two communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Wednesday, leaving several residents dead and others injured.
The incident marred Christmas celebrations in the affected areas.
The airstrike, intended to neutralize terrorists in the Surame Forest, a known hideout for the Lakurawa sect and bandits, mistakenly hit the nearby communities of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa.
Eyewitnesses who spoke with Punch, reported that the strike occurred around 7 am, claiming the lives of at least 10 villagers and wounding several others.
Malam Yahya, a resident of Silame, recounted the incident: “It was a devastating moment. Instead of hitting the terrorists, the airstrike hit innocent villagers who were preparing for the holiday. We counted no fewer than 10 deaths.”
The Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, Abubakar Daftarana, confirmed the incident and expressed shock at the loss of lives and property.
“The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping on the communities. They were innocent and peace-loving people who had no criminal record.
“It is too early to confirm the number of people either killed or injured because we are still assessing the development,” he said.
The spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’I, in a chat with Punch declined comments on the matter, saying it was not their operation.
On its part, the Nigerian Air Force promised to investigate the fallout of the airstrike.
NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, stated that the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence and surveillance.
However, Akinboyewa assured that the force would investigate claims of civilian casualties.
“The airstrikes were conducted based on credible intelligence from multiple sources, along with confirmatory aerial surveillance. Nevertheless, reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated and we will update you appropriately,” he said.
Also, the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma said military operations were conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
In a statement on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah, Coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, said the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were associated with the Lakurawa group.
He said, “However, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
“This rigorous process is particularly important when targeting groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organisation, as it aims to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.
“Given the serious nature of these operations, the public is urged to rely on confirmed information to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic.
“There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken.”
