A Nigerian Air Force operation targeting Lakurawa terrorists in Sokoto State on Wednesday (yesterday) accidentally hit two communities in Silame Local Government Area of the state and killed at least 10 people.
According to Daily Trust, residents said the incident, which occurred around 7am in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in the area council, also left many other people injured.
The affected communities are said to be located near the Surame forest, a known hideout for the Lakurawa extremists and bandits.
Punch quoted the chairman of the local government area, Mr Abubakar Daftarana as confirming the attack and expressing shock at the devastation.
“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.
“It is too early to confirm the number of people either killed or injured because we are still assessing the development,” he said.
Reacting to the bombing, the military said those killed in the airstrike had links with the Lakurawa terrorist group
The military, through one of its operations codenamed “Operation Fansan Yamma” under the Joint Task Force North West, admitted that it carried out the airstrike.
Coordinator, joint media coordination centre of the operation, Lt Col Abubakar Abdullahi, explained that military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
He said the rigorous process was particularly important when targeting groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organisation, explaining that it aimed at ensuring precision and protect civilian lives.
“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 organisation, 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,” Abdullahi said in a statement.
Similarly, the NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, said the operation was conducted based on credible intelligence and surveillance.
However, Akinboyewa assured that the NAF would investigate claims of civilian casualties.
“The airstrikes were conducted based on credible intelligence from multiple sources, along with confirmatory aerial surveillance. Nevertheless, reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated and we will update you appropriately,” he said.
