December 26, 2024
An airstrike in Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa, communities in Sokoto state, has left 10 civilians dead, while conflicting accounts between the local authorities and the military trailed the incident
According to reports, at about 6 a.m on Wednesday (Christmas day) airstrike by military jets intended to neutralise Lakurawa terrorists, mistakenly hit the two two communities in Silame Local Government Area of the state, killing several residents.
Eyewitnesses’ accounts said the accidental bombing in Sokoto claimed the lives of at least 10 villagers and left several others wounded.
The affected communities, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, are located near the Surame forest, a known hideout for the Lakurawa sect and bandits.
Silame council chairman, Hon. Abubakar Gitta Rana, disclosed that the airstrike also killed livestock and described the incident as an “erroneous” attack on innocent villagers.
In contrast, Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma, said military operations were conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
In a statement on Wednesday, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah, Coordinator, Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, said the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were associated with the Lakurawa group.
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 organization, 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.”
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Sokoto state Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, accompanied by state APC leader Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Labour Minister Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, have visited the affected communities to condole with victims’ families.
He participated in funeral prayers for the deceased and described the incident as a tragic mistake.
Governor Aliyu, stated “The jets were on a mission to eliminate criminal groups but mistakenly bombed innocent civilians. This is unfortunate, and a thorough investigation will be conducted to prevent future occurrences.”
The state government announced a donation of ₦20 million and 100 bags of foodstuffs to assist the bereaved families. It also pledged to cover the medical expenses of those injured in the airstrike.
