Tragedy struck on Wednesday morning as a fighter jet targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group mistakenly bombed two communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Many villagers were feared dead, while several others sustained injuries during the airstrike.
The affected communities, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, are located near Surame Forest, a known hideout for the Lakurawa group and bandits. According to locals, the incident occurred around 7 a.m.
Malam Yahya, a resident of Silame, described the harrowing event, noting that the villagers were innocent and peace-loving. Another source said that over ten villagers were killed, with several others injured in the attack.
The chairman of Silame LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, however, confirmed the attack, saying they were still assessing the level of damage caused by the airstrike.
“The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping on the communities. They were innocent and peace-loving people who had no any criminal record.
“It was early for me to confirm the number of people either killed or injured because we are still assessing the development,” he said.
When contacted the Spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i declined comment on the matter, saying it was not the police operation.
