…Nigerian Military Denies Reports
Many villagers in two communities of Silame Local Government Area in Sokoto State have been mistakenly killed by a fighter jet targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group and injuring several others.
A source said 10 villagers were killed and several others injured.
According to locals, the affected communities, Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, were bombed by the airstrike around 7 am.
A resident of Silame, Malam Yahya, revealed that the two villages are located close to Surame Forest, believed to be a hideout of Lakurawa terrorists and bandits.
Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, chairman of Silame LGA who also confirmed the incident said the damage is being accessed.
“The villagers were sitting peacefully when the bombs started dropping on the communities. They were innocent and peace-loving people who had no 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.
It was reported that in various media platforms, a military fighter jet struck the community destroying civilians’ structures in the area.
However, the Nigerian Military in a statement released on Wednesday, December 25 by Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullah, the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma denied the claims.
Abdullah said the reports are a cause of concern, and explained that military operations are carried out based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
He urged the public to always rely on only confirmed information.
The statement said: “This rigorous process is particularly important when targeting groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organization, as it aims to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.
“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,” Abdullah said.
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