Residents of the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa towns in the Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State, have rejected military assertions that the dead were terrorists, days after military bombings killed at least ten people there on Christmas Day.
According to reports, the fighter jet was aiming for terrorists in Lakurawa when it unintentionally dumped explosives on homes, animals, food silos, and locals, causing extensive damage.
Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), defended the operation, claiming it was founded on reliable intelligence and confirming aerial observation, despite the NAF’s pledge of a comprehensive inquiry.
Lieutenant-Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Center, supported his assertion, stressing that the airstrikes were the result of meticulous surveillance.
A Saturday visit Residents came to comfort Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad, the local government chairman, who maintained that the victims were ordinary farmers and not terrorists, in the tense environment at Silame Local Government Headquarters on Friday, according to PUNCH. While praising the military’s efforts, he denounced the event and demanded justice.
Muhammad said.…
“The community is devastated “We want justice for the victims. These were innocent farmers, not terrorists. Their homes and food stores have been destroyed.”
It takes roughly five hours to drive from Silame town to the impacted villages, which are about 20 kilometers away. Locals described the attack’s horror, with Faruk Abubakar, a witness, stating that it happened early in the morning as some people were returning from the mosque.
“When the airplane flew low, we were all seated together sipping pap.” A powerful explosion broke out abruptly, and the flames spread swiftly. He claimed that some people were still sleeping in their huts since they were taken by surprise.
Alhaji Audu Abubakar, another local, called the incident a “dark Wednesday” and added, “I lost my mate in the attack.” Justice is what we need. These accusations against us are untrue, and we are not criminals.
Similar opinions were expressed by other locals, who emphasized the community’s innocence and demanded government action. “It was an unexpected attack,” stated Abubakar Silame. Everything has been lost, including our homes, animals, and food supplies. We need government assistance in rebuilding.
Hauwa’u, a little child, described in graphic detail how she witnessed her parents, and three younger siblings die in the fire started by the airstrike.
Medical personnel at Usmanu Danfodiyo University Teaching Hospital verified that six injured patients were brought in; four were still in serious condition, and two had been released.
Defense Headquarters said in a counter-statement on Friday that the deaths were not caused by direct military bombings but rather by a secondary explosion at a terrorist supply base.
The airstrike targeted a terrorist hideaway and caused explosions from stockpiled explosives, according to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations.
He said that secondary explosions at the logistics base, which included hazardous supplies like explosives and handguns, were to blame for the fatalities.
Buba went on to say that the operation was predicated on careful intelligence and monitoring and was first postponed to reduce civilian casualties.
An anonymous senior government source in Sokoto State, however, dismissed the military’s justification, saying, “Eyewitnesses indicate it was the airstrike that caused the deaths.” The military needs to cease hiding the facts.