A tragic airstrike in Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State, has left a community in mourning after ten civilians, including a family of six, perished in an attack reportedly targeting insurgents.
A female survivor, whose identity remains undisclosed, shared her heart-wrenching account with the BBC Hausa service, describing how her father, mother, and four younger siblings were killed in the incident.
In an emotional interview, she recounted, “I saw them burning—my mother, my father, and my three younger brothers.”
Her voice quivered with anguish as she recalled the horrifying moments of the attack, which occurred early Tuesday morning.
Despite efforts by community members to console her, the grief-stricken survivor could barely speak as she mourned the loss of her loved ones.
The Nigerian military reportedly launched the strike in an area suspected to be a hideout for the Lakurawa insurgents. However, the operation resulted in unintended civilian casualties, raising questions about the military’s operational protocols.
Local residents confirmed that the airstrike also killed about 100 animals, including camels, cattle, and sheep, further devastating the agrarian community.
Usman Manuga, a resident, said the attack happened shortly after morning prayers, stating, “After we prayed, I heard them saying there are planes. Then, one of them struck us.”
Sokoto State Governor Ahmad Aliyu, who attended the mass funeral, described the incident as a tragic mistake.
“This situation was destined to happen. The officials made an error in their attempt to protect the community,” he said, adding that relief efforts, including 100 bags of food and N20 million in aid, had been dispatched to assist the affected families.
Governor Aliyu pledged to work with relevant authorities to ensure such mistakes do not happen again.