In a swift reaction to the Christmas Day bombing tragedy, in which a yet to be unconfirmed number of locals in two communities of the Silame local government area of Sokoto state were feared dead, the military says it is investigating reports of Civilian casualties.
According to sources, the fighter jet bombings were specifically targeted at the Lakurawa criminal elements terrorising the communities.
A list of the affected communities include Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, both located close to the Surame Forest, identified as another hideout of the criminal elements.
The military, while calling for caution, said the airstrikes were carried out based on credible intelligence from multiple sources, and confirmatory aerial surveillance.
Local sources put the figure of casualties at over 10 villagers with several others sustaining varying degrees of injuries during the incidents .
Speaking on the development, the chairman of Silame local government council, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, who described the affected communities as peace-loving, could not confirm the number of casualties.
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Daftarana said: “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.”
Meanwhile, reacting to enquiries from Defence Correspondents on the incident, the NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, insisted the airstrikes were carried out based on credible intelligence from multiple sources and confirmatory aerial surveillance.
He, however, assured that reports of civilian casualties would be thoroughly investigated.
“The airstrikes were conducted based on credible intelligence from multiple sources, along with confirmatory aerial surveillance.
“Nevertheless, reports of possible harm to civilians will be thoroughly investigated and we will update you appropriately,” he said.
Similarly, the joint military operation of military operation in the area debunked reports that its fighter jet bombed civilian structures.
In a statement Wednesday night, Coordinator Joint Media Coordination Centre Operation Fansan Yamma, Lt.-Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, insisted the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa were positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group.
He accused the Lakurawa terror group of engaging in disinformation to undermine efforts of the military.
“The Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan 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,” the statement said.
