A Nigerian Air Force airstrike, intended to neutralise Lakurawa terrorists, marred Christmas celebrations in Sokoto State on Wednesday as it inadvertently hit two communities in Silame Local Government Area of the state, killing several residents.
This comes as militants attacked a military base in Borno State using armed drones, injuring five servicemen.
According to eyewitness accounts, the unintentional bombing at Sokoto killed at least ten villagers and injured several others.
The impacted settlements, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, are close to the Surame forest, which is a popular hideout for the Lakurawa sect and robbers.
Malam Yahya, a resident of Silame, village in Sokoto, informed our correspondent that the bombing occurred at 7 a.m. on Christmas Day, interrupting what should have been a tranquil holiday.
He claimed that during the airstrike against the terrorists, ten villagers were murdered and numerous others were injured to varied degrees.
Abubakar Daftarana, Chairman of Silameis Local Government Area, acknowledged the incident and expressed shock at the devastation.
“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.
When approached, ASP Ahmad Rufa’I, spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, denied commenting on the topic, claiming it was not their operation.
The Nigerian Air Force, for its part, committed to investigating the aftermath of the airstrike.
Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, a spokesperson for the NAF, indicated that the mission was done using credible intelligence and surveillance.
However, Akinboyewa pledged that the force will look into accusations 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.
Additionally, the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma stated that military activities were carried out based on detailed intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah, Coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, stated on Wednesday that the targets near Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were linked to the Lakurawa gang.
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.”
