A survivor of the recent airstrike in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State has shared a harrowing account of witnessing her family perish in the tragedy. Speaking to BBC Hausa, the grieving woman, who requested anonymity, recounted how her parents and four younger siblings were engulfed in flames during the attack.
Through tears, she said, “I saw them burning, my mother, my father, and my three younger brothers.”
The airstrike, allegedly carried out by a Nigerian military warplane on Tuesday morning, targeted suspected insurgents in the area. However, reports indicate that 10 civilians lost their lives, six others sustained injuries, and approximately 100 animals, including camels, cattle, sheep, and donkeys, were killed in the incident. According to a report from Vanguardngr
Usman Manuga, a resident of the area, described the moment the attack occurred: “After the Fajr (early morning) prayer, we noticed planes flying overhead. Moments later, bombs were dropped, and everything went up in flames.”
The devastation prompted a mass funeral for the victims on Wednesday evening. Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, who attended the funeral, described the incident as an “unfortunate mistake.”
Despite these accounts, military officials have denied targeting civilian communities during the operation.
“This situation was destined to happen. The officials acted with the intention of protecting this community. However, we will ensure a thorough investigation is conducted to prevent such incidents in the future,” the governor said.
In response to the tragedy, Governor Aliyu announced relief measures, including 100 bags of food supplies and ₦20 million in financial assistance for affected families. Abubakar Muhammad, Chairman of Silame Local Government, confirmed the involvement of two warplanes in the attack, which struck the villages of Gidan Bisa and Runtuwa.
“The attacks were relentless, and it took the intervention of the state government to halt them. Both the Air Force and ground forces participated in the operation,” Muhammad said.
The affected villages lie near the Surame Desert, a known stronghold for Lakurawa insurgents.
This tragedy marks the ninth accidental military airstrike on civilians in Nigeria in recent years. Similar incidents include:
- December 3, 2023: A drone strike killed 85 worshippers celebrating Maulud in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State.
- September 2021: An airstrike in Yunusari, Yobe State, claimed 10 civilian lives.
- January 2017: A military strike on a refugee camp in Rann, Borno State, caused significant civilian casualties.
Governor Aliyu assured the community that efforts are underway to investigate the incident thoroughly and to implement measures to prevent a recurrence.
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However, survivors and affected residents continue to grapple with their unimaginable losses, demanding accountability and greater protection for civilians during military operations. Despite the outcry, military officials have denied targeting civilian communities, further fueling calls for transparency and justice.
