At least 10 civilians were killed in a military airstrike on Christmas Day in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, according to residents.
The victims have been laid to rest, as the community struggles to cope with the tragic aftermath of the attack.
The airstrike, which struck Gidan Sanma and Rumtuwa villages, reportedly caused widespread devastation. Dozens of livestock were killed, while several food silos and houses were reduced to ashes, leaving many residents displaced.
Residents and Survivors Speak Out
Eyewitnesses and survivors recounted the horrifying impact of the attack. According to them, nine victims died on the spot, while one succumbed to injuries later. The airstrike also left countless livestock dead, further devastating the peasant farming community that depends on their animals for livelihood.
One resident described the scenes of destruction: “We lost everything—our homes, food supplies, and livestock. This is a tragedy we may never recover from.”
The incident has forced many families to flee their villages, joining the growing number of internally displaced persons in the region.
Military Response and Governor’s Call for Investigation
The Nigerian military defended the operation, claiming it was based on intelligence that suggested the presence of terrorists in the targeted area. However, residents insist the victims were innocent civilians, raising questions about the accuracy of the intelligence used to justify the airstrike.
Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has called for a thorough investigation into the incident. In a statement, he expressed his condolences to the affected families and vowed to hold discussions with military authorities to ensure accountability.
“I am in direct communication with the leadership of the Nigerian Army to ensure a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances that led to this tragedy,” Governor Aliyu said. “The state government will provide support to the affected families and work with relevant authorities to prevent such incidents in the future.”
A Pattern of Tragic Errors
This is not the first time military airstrikes have resulted in civilian casualties in Nigeria. Similar incidents have been reported in Borno, Niger, and Kaduna states, where air operations meant to target insurgents have inadvertently killed civilians.
Human rights organizations and civil society groups have repeatedly called for improved military intelligence and operational oversight to prevent such fatal errors. They argue that these incidents undermine trust in the military and exacerbate the humanitarian crises in conflict-affected regions.
The Way Forward
The Christmas Day airstrike has added to the growing concerns over the collateral damage of Nigeria’s counterterrorism operations. While the military continues to defend its tactics as necessary to combat insurgency, the recurring loss of civilian lives raises critical questions about accountability and the accuracy of intelligence guiding such operations.
Governor Aliyu’s demand for an investigation offers a glimmer of hope for justice, but for the grieving families in Silame, the scars of this tragedy will linger. As Nigeria grapples with the complexities of internal security, ensuring the safety of civilians must remain a top priority.
