The Sokoto State Government, on Wednesday, confirmed that the military airstrike by the Joint Task Force North West, which targeted bandits in Gidan Bisa village of Silame Local Government Area, killed 10 persons in the early hours of Wednesday.
ASHENEWS reported HERE that while the chairman of the local government, Abubakar Gitta Rana said the military airstrike occurred at about 6 a.m. when two military fighter jets erroneously dropped bombs in the village, the state governor, Ahmed Aliyu, accompanied by Senator Aliyu Wamakko, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, joined the community for the funeral prayers of the victims.
The governor described the incident as unfortunate, but attributed the tragedy to divine destiny.
However, the Joint Task Force, in a statement by the Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination CentreOperation Fansan Yamma, Lt.-Col. Abubakar Abdullahi on Tuesday, clarified that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
According to the statement, “the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken.”
Read the statement below:
“The Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma has addressed recent reports concerning a military fighter jet allegedly bombing civilian structures in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
“These reports have raised concerns; however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions. This rigorous process is particularly important when targeting groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organization, as it aims to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.
“Given the serious nature of these operations, the public is urged to rely on confirmed information to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic. There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken.”
