Tragedy struck on Christmas Day as a fighter jet mistakenly bombed three Sokoto villages, killing many and injuring scores. The airstrike, intended for jihadists, devastated innocent communities in Silame Local Government Area.
Tragedy struck on Christmas Day as a fighter jet mistakenly bombed three villages in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving scores dead and many others injured. The airstrike, intended to target jihadist hideouts in the Surame Forest, instead hit Gidan Bisa, Gitta Rana, and Runtuwa villages.
The bombing reportedly occurred while villagers were sitting outside their homes enjoying the holiday. According to Yahaya Mohammed Silame, a former information officer for the Silame Local Government, Gitta Rana, one of the affected villages, is home to the current chairman of the local government, Abubakar Mohammed Daftarana.
Initial reports indicate that at least 10 villagers lost their lives, though eyewitnesses fear the death toll could rise significantly as the extent of the devastation becomes clearer. Survivors with severe injuries, including shrapnel wounds, have been rushed to nearby hospitals, where they are currently receiving treatment.
Speaking to reporters, Chairman Daftarana expressed grief over the incident and stated that the council is still assessing the scale of destruction caused by the accidental bombardment.
“The villagers were peacefully seated outside when they heard the deafening roar of the jet, followed by explosions. It was a horrifying experience,” he said.
The Surame Forest, a known hideout for the jihadist group Lakurawa, was reportedly the intended target of the airstrike. However, the miscalculated attack has left the affected communities in mourning on what should have been a day of celebration.
Attempts to reach the Sokoto State Police Command for confirmation have been unsuccessful, as calls to the command’s public relations officer went unanswered.
Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, accompanied by members of the state executive council and APC stalwarts, has visited the grieving families to express his condolences. He also promised a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to the tragic airstrike.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with calls for improved intelligence and better coordination in military operations to prevent further civilian casualties.
