A fighter jet targeting jihadists in Sokoto State mistakenly bombed three communities in Silame Local Government Area in the early hours of Wednesday, killing several villagers and leaving others injured.
The airstrike, intended for Lakurawa jihadists in the Surame forest, hit innocent residents in Gidan Bisa, Gitta Rana and Runtuwa villages of Silame Ward.
According to Yahaya Silame, a local resident and former information officer of the council, around 10 people were reported dead, though some suggest the toll could be higher, reports Vanguard.
Survivors with injuries from the strike are currently receiving treatment for shrapnel wounds at nearby hospitals.
Abubakar Daftarana, chairman of Silame Local Government, expressed dismay, noting that his council is still evaluating the extent of the damage.
“The communities were sitting peacefully outside their homes taking a break when they heard the thundering sounds of bombs dropped by the jet as it passed overhead,” he explained.
The targeted Surame Forest is believed to harbour the jihadist group Lakurawa.
Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu, accompanied by members of the state executive council and APC stalwarts, has visited the affected families to offer condolences.
The governor urged military pilots to uphold professionalism in their operations to avoid civilian casualties in their fight against terrorism.
Efforts to obtain confirmation from the Sokoto State Police Command have so far been unsuccessful, the newspaper said.
