A military airstrike meant to target terrorists in Sokoto State’s Silame Local Government Area has mistakenly hit two villages, killing at least 10 people and leaving many others injured.

The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday in the communities of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa.

Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State confirmed the incident through his Press Secretary, Abubakar Bawa, and visited the affected areas to commiserate with residents.

Describing the airstrike as a grave mistake, the governor expressed sympathy for the victims and their families.

“The military jets were on a mission to eliminate armed criminal groups terrorizing the state but accidentally bombed innocent residents,” the governor said.

He promised a thorough investigation to uncover the cause of the error and ensure such incidents do not happen again.

Local Government Chairman Abubakar Mohammed Daftarana revealed that the airstrike was directed at the Lakurawa terrorist group, known for its activities in the region. Efforts to assess the damage and casualty figures are ongoing.

The military’s Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma responded to the incident, stressing the need for accurate information in such cases.

Its spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, stated, “All operations are guided by intelligence and reconnaissance to avoid civilian casualties. We urge the public to avoid panic and wait for confirmed reports.”

As families bury the dead and await answers, the tragedy has sparked fresh concerns about the challenges of precision in anti-terror operations. Calls for accountability and better safeguards are growing louder across the region.