Communities in Sokoto State have differed over the bombing of communities which have claimed many lives in the state.
There were reports of jet bombings in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities of Silame Local Government Area of the state leading to death of about 10 villagers with dozens also injured.
Also killed and injured were residents’ livestocks while many houses were either burnt or destroyed.
It was said that the airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force had targeted the Lakurawa terrorist group.
The air raids were said to have been conducted by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD.
While community leaders and eye witnesses said that the raids targeted civilians, the media coordinator of the military operation, Abubakar Abdullahi, said all military operations are based on what he called thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions.
He said they are to be to sure that civilian lives are not in jeopardy.
“These reports have raised concerns; however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions,” the statement reads.
“There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.
“Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken.”