Airstrike meant for Lakurawa terrorists kills innocent villagers in Sokoto

DDM News

A tragic incident occurred in Sokoto State on the morning of December 25, 2024, when a fighter jet, targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group, mistakenly bombed two peaceful communities in Silame Local Government Area.

The affected villages, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, were struck by the airstrike around 7 a.m., resulting in numerous fatalities and injuries.

According to local residents to Diaspora digital media, the attack targeted innocent villagers who were going about their daily routines.

Malam Yahya, a resident of Silame, explained that the villages are situated near the Surame Forest, which is known to be a hideout for the notorious Lakurawa terrorists and bandits.

The Lakurawa terrorist group has been a source of terror in the region for several years.

The group is responsible for widespread violence, including kidnappings, killings, and attacks on military and civilian targets.

Lakurawa terrorists are believed to operate across northern Nigeria, with a strong presence in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara states, where they exploit the vast forests and rugged terrains for their criminal activities.

They are notorious for ambushing military convoys, attacking police posts, and engaging in large-scale raids on rural communities.

These terrorists have also been linked to the proliferation of weapons in the region, which they use to fuel their campaigns of terror.

Despite the ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military to contain the group, Lakurawa terrorists continue to strike fear into the hearts of local populations.

The recent airstrike, while aimed at neutralizing these terrorists, tragically resulted in collateral damage, as the bombings hit Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa.

According to reports made available to Diaspora digital media (DDM), at least 10 villagers were confirmed dead, and several others sustained injuries.

Many of the victims were described as peaceful and law-abiding citizens who had no involvement in criminal activities.

Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, the chairman of Silame Local Government Area, confirmed the attack, stating that an assessment of the damage is currently underway.

However, he expressed difficulty in providing exact figures on casualties at this time due to the ongoing evaluation of the situation.

Daftarana conveyed his sorrow, emphasizing that the villagers were caught off guard and had no role in the conflict.

As the dust settles, the authorities are working to ascertain the full scope of the destruction.

The police have refrained from commenting on the incident, stating that it was not part of a police operation, thus leaving military forces as the likely responsible party.

This incident underscores the difficult and complex nature of the fight against terrorism in Nigeria, where military operations sometimes result in unintended harm to civilian populations.

The airstrike on Silame LGA highlights the tragic consequences of efforts to eliminate terrorist threats, particularly in areas where terrorist groups operate in close proximity to civilian populations.

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