ABOUT ten villagers on Christmas day feared killed and several others injured as a fighter jet targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group was said to have mistakenly bombed two communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, killing many villagers and injuring several others.
The affected communities, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, were hit by the airstrike around 7am, according to locals. A resident of Silame, Malam Yahya, revealed that the two villages are located close to Surame Forest, a known hideout of Lakurawa terrorists and bandits.
“The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping on the communities. They were innocent and peace-loving people who had no any criminal record.
“It was early for me to confirm the number of people either killed or injured because we are still assessing the development,” Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, chairman of Silame Local Government Area said.
He added that the damage is being accessed.
The police have declined comment on the matter, saying it was not a police operation.
Military Discountenance Report
Meanwhile, the Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma has declared that the targets struck during an operation against Lakurawa terrorists “have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken”.
The JTF, therefore, warned that the populace should be aware of misinformation and disinformation campaigns by terrorist groups and their collaborators.
A statement by Lt. Col Abdullahi Abubakar, spokesman said, “The Joint Task Force, North West, Operation Fasan Yamma has addressed recent reports concerning a military fighter jet allegedly bombing civilian structures in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
“These reports have raised concerns; however, 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 organization, 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.”
Eighteen-Eleven Media