Days after military airstrikes on Christmas Day claimed at least 10 lives in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities of Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State, locals have rejected military assertions that the victims were terrorists.
Reports indicate the fighter jet, aiming to target Lakurawa terrorists, mistakenly bombed residents, livestock, food supplies, and homes, resulting in significant destruction.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has vowed to investigate, with spokesperson Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa defending the operation, citing credible intelligence and aerial surveillance. His position was supported by Lieutenant-Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, who stressed that the strikes followed thorough reconnaissance.
A visit to the affected areas revealed a somber atmosphere as residents gathered to support Local Government Chairman Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad, who condemned the tragedy. “These were innocent farmers, not terrorists. Justice must be served,” he said.
Survivors recounted the attack’s horror, describing the moment explosions destroyed homes and lives. Faruk Abubakar, an eyewitness, said, “It happened early in the morning as some returned from the mosque. Suddenly, there was an explosion, and everything was on fire.”
Alhaji Audu Abubakar, who lost a friend in the incident, called for justice, asserting the community’s innocence. Others echoed his sentiments, with one resident, Abubakar Silame, stating, “We have lost everything—our homes, livestock, and food. The government must help us rebuild.”
Hauwa’u, a young girl, shared her devastating experience, saying she lost her parents and siblings in the fire caused by the attack.
At Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital, staff confirmed receiving six injured victims, with four still in critical condition.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters maintained the fatalities were the result of secondary explosions from a terrorist logistics base rather than direct military strikes. Major General Edward Buba explained the operation targeted a terrorist hideout, triggering explosions from stored munitions.
However, a senior Sokoto State official, speaking anonymously, dismissed the military’s claims, insisting eyewitness accounts prove the airstrikes caused the casualties. “The military must stop covering up the truth,” the official stated.