Kehinde Fajobi
A survivor of the Sokoto airstrike has recounted the horror of losing her family in the attack that claimed 10 civilian lives in Silame Local Government Area.
Speaking to BBC Hausa, the woman, who wished to remain anonymous, said her father, mother, and four younger siblings died in the ensuing fire.
“I saw them burning—my mother, my father, and my three younger brothers,” she tearfully recounted.
The airstrike, reportedly conducted by a Nigerian military warplane on Tuesday morning, targeted suspected insurgents near the Surame desert.
However, it also left six people injured and killed around 100 animals, including camels and cattle.
Resident Usman Manuga described the scene: “After the Fajr (early morning) prayer, we noticed planes flying overhead. Moments later, bombs were dropped, and everything went up in flames.”
During a funeral for the victims on Wednesday, Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu called the incident a tragic error.
“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,” he said.
Governor Aliyu also announced ₦20 million in relief funds and 100 bags of food supplies for the affected families.
Abubakar Muhammad, chairman of Silame Local Government, confirmed that two warplanes 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,” he said.
The villages targeted are believed to be near a Lakurawa insurgent hideout.
This is the ninth accidental military airstrike on civilians in Nigeria in recent years, following similar tragedies in Kaduna, Yobe, and Borno states.
Governor Aliyu assured residents that a thorough investigation would be conducted to prevent future incidents.
Meanwhile, survivors and affected families are left mourning their loss and seeking accountability for the devastating attack.