A Christmas Day military operation in Gidan Bisa village of Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State, ended in tragedy when an airstrike killed ten villagers, sparking grief and questions across the state.
The incident occurred in the early hours of December 25, when two military fighter jets targeted suspected bandit hideouts. However, the operation went awry, and bombs fell on innocent civilians, killing ten and injuring several others. Livestock in the area also perished in the attack.
Community in Shock
Local residents were stunned by the unexpected tragedy. Abubakar Gitta Rana, the Chairman of Silame Local Government Area, confirmed the timing and extent of the attack. “The incident happened at about 6 a.m. It was heartbreaking to see our people killed while going about their daily lives,” he said.
The Gidan Bisa community, already grappling with the presence of bandits, found itself in mourning for victims who had no connection to the ongoing conflict.
Governor’s Response
Governor Ahmed Aliyu visited the grieving community, accompanied by high-ranking officials, including Senator Aliyu Magarakarda Wamakko, the leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Sokoto, and the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi.
Standing among the bereaved, Governor Aliyu described the incident as an “act of God.” He expressed sorrow for the loss but emphasized the military’s intent. “The jets were on a mission to eliminate criminal armed groups terrorizing our state. This unfortunate incident was a mistake. The military has previously carried out successful operations against bandits, and we must acknowledge that,” he stated.
Promises of Action
The Governor assured the community that the state government would investigate the mishap. “A thorough investigation will be conducted to determine what led to this avoidable mistake. We are committed to ensuring such incidents do not happen again,” he pledged.
Governor Aliyu also prayed for the deceased and their families. “May Almighty Allah forgive the souls of the departed and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear this loss,” he said.
Relief Measures
In a gesture of support, the Secretary to the State Government, Muhammad Bello Sifawa, announced immediate aid for the affected families. He revealed that the state government had allocated N20 million and 100 bags of assorted foodstuffs to assist the bereaved. Additionally, the government committed to covering medical bills for those injured in the airstrike.
“These measures are the least we can do to help ease the burden on the families affected by this tragic incident,” Sifawa noted.
Military Efforts and Public Concerns
While the Sokoto State government described the tragedy as a mistake, the incident has raised concerns about the precision of military operations in conflict zones.
In recent months, military airstrikes have been a key tactic in combating banditry across northern Nigeria. The armed forces have successfully neutralized numerous criminal hideouts, but civilian casualties remain a recurring issue. Critics argue that better intelligence and operational protocols are needed to avoid similar tragedies.
