Airstrikes hit Sokoto communities, villagers feared dead

Tragedy struck in Sokoto State on Wednesday morning as a fighter jet targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group mistakenly bombed two communities in Silame Local Government Area, leaving many feared dead and several others injured.

The affected communities, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, are situated near the Surame Forest, known as a stronghold for bandits and the Lakurawa terrorist group. According to eyewitness accounts, the airstrike occurred around 7 a.m., catching residents unaware.

A local resident, Malam Yahya, described the area as peaceful and home to innocent villagers. “The bombs came unexpectedly, hitting people who were just sitting peacefully in their communities,” he lamented.

Another source disclosed that over 10 villagers lost their lives, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries during the attack.

Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Silame LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, expressed sorrow over the tragic mistake. “The villagers were innocent and peace-loving, with no links to any criminal activities. We are still assessing the extent of the damage to ascertain the number of casualties and injured individuals,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Sokoto State Police Command spokesperson, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i, declined to comment on the incident, stating that it was beyond the scope of police operations.