BY JOHN AUDU
In a devastating incident early Wednesday morning, a fighter jet targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group mistakenly bombed two communities in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving many villagers feared dead and several others injured.
The affected villages, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, were reportedly struck around 7 AM. Local resident Malam Yahya indicated that these communities are situated near the Surame Forest, an area known to harbor both Lakurawa militants and bandits.
Sources speaking to Daily Trust suggest that more than ten villagers may have lost their lives, with numerous others suffering from varying degrees of injuries as a result of the airstrike.
Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, chairman of the Silame Local Government Area, confirmed the attack but noted that officials are still in the process of assessing the extent of the damage. “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,” he stated. “It is too early for me to confirm the number of casualties as we are still evaluating the situation.”
When approached for comment, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, spokesman for the Sokoto State Police Command, declined to provide details, citing that the operation was not under police jurisdiction.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, calls for accountability and improved military protocols are likely to emerge, emphasizing the need to protect civilian lives in conflict zones.
