Several villagers were feared dead, and many others sustained injuries after a military fighter jet mistakenly bombed two communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State while targeting members of the Lakurawa terrorist group.
The affected villages, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, are located near the Surame Forest, a known hideout for terrorists and bandits. According to local sources, the incident occurred around 7 a.m. on Wednesday.
A resident, Malam Yahya, explained that the villages are peaceful communities with no ties to criminal activities. Another source reported that over 10 villagers lost their lives, with several others suffering varying degrees of injuries.
The Chairman of Silame LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, confirmed the tragic incident. He described the victims as innocent and peace-loving people caught in the unfortunate airstrike.
“It’s still too early to confirm the exact number of casualties, as we are currently assessing the extent of the damage,” he stated.