At least ten civilians killed in a military airstrike on Christmas Day in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State were buried on Thursday, according to local residents. The tragic incident, which also claimed dozens of livestock and destroyed homes and food silos, has left the affected communities in shock and mourning.
The airstrike reportedly targeted Gidan Sanma and Rumtuwa villages, where survivors described multiple explosions that caused significant casualties and widespread destruction.
“It was multiple airstrikes,” a resident recounted. “The big one fell here, causing heavy destruction, affecting our houses and food silos. Nine people died instantly, and another later succumbed to injuries.”
In addition to the human casualties, the attack displaced numerous villagers, predominantly peasant farmers, who have since fled the area. Residents say the airstrike not only killed people but also devastated their means of livelihood, leaving them in dire circumstances.
The Nigerian military has claimed that the airstrike was based on intelligence suggesting the presence of terrorists in the area. However, local accounts and the scale of civilian casualties have raised concerns about the accuracy of the operation.
Reacting to the tragedy, Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu expressed deep concern and called for an immediate investigation. In a statement, the governor said he was in direct communication with the leadership of the Nigerian Army to ensure a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the incident.
“This is a tragic and unfortunate event,” Governor Aliyu said. “We are committed to supporting the affected families and working with the relevant authorities to prevent a recurrence. The state government will spare no effort in seeking justice and accountability for this tragedy.”
The incident has drawn attention to similar cases in other parts of the country, including Borno, Niger, and Kaduna states, where military airstrikes have mistakenly killed civilians during counter-terrorism operations.
Although the military is yet to officially acknowledge the civilian casualties in Sokoto, human rights groups and local communities are calling for greater accountability and improved targeting protocols to minimize collateral damage during military operations.
As investigations continue, the affected families are left grappling with the loss of loved ones and the destruction of their homes and livelihoods. The incident has once again highlighted the challenges of balancing national security efforts with the protection of civilian lives in conflict-prone areas.
By Saifullahi Muhammaf
