A fighter jet targeting the notorious Lakurawa terrorist group has mistakenly bombed two communities in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, leaving many feared dead and several others injured.
The tragic incident occurred in the wee hours of Wednesday, December 25, 2024, affecting the villages of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa. Villagers Caught in Airstrike.
Eyewitness accounts reveal that the villages, situated near the Surame Forest—a known hideout for Lakurawa terrorists and bandits—were unintentionally targeted during the airstrike. Residents described the moment bombs started dropping on the peaceful communities, catching the villagers unawares.
A source revealed that at least 10 people had been confirmed dead, while others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Local officials, however, are still working to assess the full extent of the casualties and damage.
The chairman of Silame LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident.
“The villagers were innocent and peace-loving people with no criminal records.
“We are still assessing the development and cannot yet confirm the exact number of casualties,” Daftarana stated.
The Sokoto State Police Command has declined to comment on the incident, stating it was not a police operation.
Rising Concerns Over Lakurawa Terrorist Group The Lakurawa group has been linked to increasing attacks in the northern region of Nigeria, prompting calls for a specialised paramilitary force to counter their activities.
Prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi recently urged the federal government to prioritise action against the group, describing their growing presence as a significant security challenge.