A military fighter jet mistakenly bombed two communities in Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State, on Wednesday, leaving at least 10 villagers dead and several others injured.
The Sokoto State Government confirmed the incident in a statement, describing it as a tragic error during a military operation targeting criminal groups terrorising the region.
Governor Ahmad Aliyu visited the affected communities, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, to sympathise with the victims and their families. Speaking during his visit, the governor called the incident “unfortunate” but emphasised the military’s past successes in combating banditry in the state.
Governor’s Response
“The military jets were on a mission to eliminate armed criminal groups but mistakenly bombed innocent civilians in these communities,” Governor Aliyu said.
He assured residents that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the error and prevent a recurrence. The governor also offered prayers for the deceased, asking Almighty Allah to forgive them and grant their families strength to endure the loss.
Local Government Reaction
The Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, Abubakar Mohammed Daftarana, confirmed the airstrike targeted Lakurawa terrorists operating in the area. He noted that a detailed assessment of the damage and casualties was still underway.
“It is too early to confirm the exact number of people killed or injured,” Daftarana said, adding that teams were working to evaluate the situation.
Military Statement
In response, the spokesman for Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, addressed the reports. While he did not confirm that the military jets struck civilian areas, he highlighted the challenges of conducting precision strikes against groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organisation.
“All military operations are based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance to ensure precision and protect civilian lives,” Abdullahi said. He urged the public to rely on verified information to avoid misinformation and unnecessary panic.
The military maintained that the targets struck near Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as linked to the Lakurawa group, justifying the action. However, calls for accountability and clarity are mounting as investigations continue into the tragic mistake.
Funeral services for the victims were held in the affected villages, with grieving families and community members calling for justice and better safeguards to prevent future errors.