The presidency has strongly denied allegations that Nigerian Air Force fighter jets mistakenly bombed two communities in Sokoto State while targeting terrorists. However, the denials, made through a social media post, raise more questions than they answer about the tragic events that reportedly unfolded.
Presidential Denial Sparks Skepticism
In a statement via his X account, Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Social Media, dismissed the reports as “fake news” and urged the public to disregard them. He wrote:
“Kindly disregard any news about fighter jets mistakenly bombing communities in Sokoto. It’s all fake!”
But Olusegun’s abrupt dismissal of the reports, without offering alternative explanations or acknowledging the gravity of the claims, has only fueled public skepticism.
Reports from the Ground Paint a Grim Picture
Contrary to the presidency’s stance, local sources claim that an airstrike targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group inadvertently hit two villages in Silame Local Government Area—Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa. The incident reportedly occurred at around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, with residents alleging numerous casualties and injuries.
Malam Yahya, a resident of Silame, stated that the affected communities are near Surame Forest, a known haven for the Lakurawa group and other bandits. This proximity, he suggested, might have made them collateral damage in the military operation.
The alleged mishap, if true, would not only signify a tragic loss of civilian life but also highlight potential flaws in Nigeria’s counterterrorism strategies.
A Pattern of Denials
This is not the first time the Nigerian government has faced allegations of civilian casualties during military operations. Previous incidents of miscalculated airstrikes in Zamfara, Borno, and Niger states have drawn public ire, only to be dismissed as “fake news” by officials. Yet, the lack of independent investigations and accountability continues to erode trust in the government’s narrative.
Questions That Demand Answers
The presidency’s outright denial leaves several critical questions unanswered: Were there military operations in the area at the time of the reported bombing? What measures are in place to minimize civilian casualties during airstrikes? Why hasn’t there been a thorough investigation or public briefing to clarify the incident?
The absence of transparency not only casts doubt on the government’s claims but also risks alienating affected communities. Such distrust could undermine ongoing counterterrorism efforts, as civilian cooperation is vital in identifying and combating insurgent groups.
The Bottom Line
While the presidency has labeled the reports as fake, the lack of concrete evidence or a detailed rebuttal raises suspicions. If innocent civilians were indeed harmed, it would underscore the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s military operations and greater accountability from those in power.
As the dust settles, one thing is clear: ignoring or dismissing such allegations without proper investigation risks deepening the divide between the government and the citizens it claims to protect.
