Sokoto — A devastating incident unfolded in the early hours of Wednesday in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where a fighter jet mistakenly bombed two communities, resulting in significant casualties and widespread destruction.
The airstrike, intended to target Lakurawa jihadists hiding in the Surame Forest, tragically struck the villages of Gidan Bisa, Gitta Rana, and Runtuwa in Silame Ward, leaving innocent villagers caught in the crossfire.
Yahaya Mohammed Silame, a local resident and former information officer for the Silame Local Government, revealed that one of the affected communities, Gitta Rana, is home to the current chairman of the local government. “While reports suggest that about 10 villagers were killed, many fear the actual death toll may be much higher,” he said.
Several injured victims are receiving treatment for shrapnel wounds at local hospitals, as authorities work to assess the full extent of the tragedy. Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Daftarana, the chairman of Silame Local Government, described the harrowing moment: “The communities were peacefully gathered outside their homes when they were suddenly struck by the deafening sounds of bombs dropping from overhead.”
The Surame Forest, known as a stronghold for the jihadist group Lakurawa, has been the focus of military operations in the region. Despite repeated attempts, the Sokoto State Police Command has yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
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Governor Ahmed Aliyu, accompanied by members of his executive council and prominent APC party members, visited the affected communities to offer condolences and support. Addressing the tragedy, the governor urged military pilots to exercise utmost professionalism and precision during operations to prevent such catastrophic errors. “This tragic mistake must serve as a lesson to ensure no innocent lives are lost again,” he stated.
The airstrike has plunged the affected villages into mourning, with families grieving the loss of loved ones and the destruction of their homes. The Sokoto State Government has pledged to provide assistance to the victims and their families while calling for an investigation into the incident to prevent future occurrences.
The affected communities now face the daunting task of rebuilding their lives, as calls grow louder for improved measures to safeguard civilians during military operations.
