It is either the Nigerian Airforce is extremely incompetent or there is a deliberate act of killing civilians and not the terrorists. https://t.co/AGtAjsNuX4
— Aisha Yesufu (@AishaYesufu) December 26, 2024
My dear people of Sokoto State,
— Ahmad Aliyu Sokoto (@Ahmedaliyuskt) December 25, 2024
It is with a heavy heart that I address you following the tragic incident in the communities of Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa in the Silame Local Government Area. This heartbreaking event, caused by an accidental misfire from the Nigerian Army, has… pic.twitter.com/NhYAXFjLmZ
A devastating bombing occurred in Sokoto, Nigeria, leaving 10 people dead and many more injured. The Nigerian Air Force intended to target terrorists in the Lakurawa region but mistakenly bombed two communities, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, in the Silame Local Government Area.¹
The chairman of Silame LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, described the attack as devastating and expressed shock, stating that the villagers were peaceful and had no connection to terrorism. Residents are outraged, claiming the military made a grave mistake.
Despite the outcry, the military denies any error, insisting that their target was legitimate.
An airstrike in two Sokoto communities, Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa, has left 10 civilians dead, sparking conflicting accounts between local authorities and the military.
The incident, which occurred at 6 a.m. on Wednesday, saw bombs dropped by military jets reportedly pursuing bandits in Silame Local Government Area.
The council chairman, Hon. Abubakar Gitta Rana, disclosed that the airstrike also killed livestock, describing it as an “erroneous” attack on innocent villagers.
In contrast, the Joint Task Force (JTF) North West, Operation Fasan Yamma, insisted the operation targeted Lakurawa terrorists and denied hitting civilian structures. A statement by Lt. Col. Abdullahi Abubakar emphasized that the airstrike was justified, cautioning against misinformation spread by terrorist groups and collaborators.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, accompanied by state APC leader Sen. Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko and Labour Minister Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi, 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.
“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,” Aliyu stated.
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.
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