Scores feared dead as fighter jet bombs Sokoto communities

A tragic airstrike targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group has mistakenly hit two villages in Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State, leaving many residents feared dead and several injured.

The incident occurred around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, affecting the communities of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa. Both villages are situated near Surame Forest, identified as a hideout for Lakurawa and bandit groups.

Malam Yahya, a resident of Silame, confirmed the proximity of the villages to the forest, while another local source told Daily Trust that over 10 villagers were killed in the airstrike, with many others sustaining varying degrees of injuries.

The chairman of Silame LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, confirmed the incident, stating that authorities are still assessing the extent of the damage caused by the attack.

“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,” he said.

When contacted the Spokesman of the Sokoto State Police Command, ASP Ahmad Rufa’i declined comment on the matter, saying it was not the police operation.