Residents of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Sokoto State are demanding justice after a tragic airstrike on Christmas Day left at least ten people dead and destroyed homes and food supplies.
The incident occurred in Silame Local Government Area, with military officials initially claiming the airstrike targeted terrorists. Villagers, however, dispute this account, insisting that the victims were innocent farmers.
According to reports, the airstrike aimed at Lakurawa terrorist hideouts inadvertently hit civilian areas. Witnesses described the aftermath as devastating, with many homes razed, livestock killed, and food stores destroyed.
One witness, Faruk Abubakar, told PUNCH: “We were sitting together after prayers when the aircraft flew low. Suddenly, we heard a loud explosion and saw fire everywhere. Many people didn’t survive.”
Local leaders also expressed their dismay. Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad, the Silame Local Government Chairman, insisted the victims had no ties to terrorists.
Muhammad told PUNCH, “It is unfortunate that this is happening. We are deeply saddened by this incident, and we want justice for the victims.
“Look at how they were killed, how the village was razed, and how their food stores were destroyed. It is disheartening. They have really suffered, and it is very unfortunate that such a thing is happening at this time, right after the harvest.
“The community is burnt down, but what can we do? The deed has been done, and it’s very unfortunate.”
While the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has promised a thorough investigation, Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa defended the airstrikes, explaining they were guided by credible intelligence.
Defence spokesperson Major General Edward Buba later attributed the fatalities to a “secondary explosion” at a terrorist logistics base targeted by the airstrike.
Villagers remain unconvinced, calling for accountability. One resident, Hauwa’u, tearfully recalled losing her family: “I saw my parents and siblings burn. It was a nightmare.” Others emphasized their community’s peaceful history, urging the government to uncover the truth and provide relief for survivors.
Another villager said, “Some of us were sitting where we usually drank early morning pap brought by a woman when we suddenly saw the aircraft flying low and coming towards us. We thought it was just passing through until it lowered further. We started running and heard a loud sound, followed by fire spreading fast.
“Some people were still sleeping in their huts when the bomb landed. Many people were feared dead immediately, while others sustained various degrees of injuries.”
Another resident, Alhaji Audu Abubakar, said the incident came to them as a rude shock.
He said, “It was a black Wednesday for our people here. We woke up to the worst calamity we’ve ever faced.
“It felt like a dream when it happened. I lost my friend in the blast. We were together on Tuesday night, but unfortunately, I woke up on Wednesday only to realise he had died in such a terrible way.
“We need justice for the people who died. We are not criminals and have never harboured any criminals in our midst. The allegations against us are false, and we want this matter thoroughly investigated.”
Another villager, Abubakar Silame, condemned the airstrike, stressing that the affected community had never been involved in any security issues.
He said, “The attack came to us unexpectedly. It happened early in the morning when some of us were still sleeping.
“We suddenly saw aircraft moving around our communities. We were surprised to see the aircraft, but before we could figure out what was happening, we heard a loud noise, followed by fire.
“Some of us ran for our lives, not even knowing whether we would survive or not, while others were caught in the fire. It was a terrible situation.
“We definitely want justice for our people, and we urge both the federal and state governments to come to our aid.
“We have lost our homes, our people, our food store, and all our animals.”
