The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the death of 10 civilians in Sokoto State was caused by secondary explosions, not direct military airstrikes.

This explanation comes after the Sokoto State government reported that two military fighter jets mistakenly dropped bombs on Gidan Bisa village, Silame Local Government Area, killing at least 10 civilians on Christmas Day.

Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, on Friday, addressed journalists in Abuja, stating that troops conducted a coordinated joint operation on December 25 to destroy Lakurawa terrorist groups in their hideouts.

Intelligence gathering, he said, confirmed terrorist presence in the area before the operation.

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Buba explained, “Now, I spoke about secondary explosions. Because one of the targets was a logistic base of the terrorists in the community.

“When I talk of a logistics base, I’m talking of armed caches and poles that were kept there. So, naturally, when the munition hits, there will be a secondary explosion arising from that which will generate other things flying in the air which was what led to the death of about 10 persons that was reported.”

He emphasized that the 10 civilians were not hit directly by the air strikes, but rather by the secondary explosions. The actual targets, the Lakurawa terrorist groups, were burned beyond recognition.

Buba also addressed concerns about the use of drones by terrorists, describing them as “toys” that are not military-grade.

He assured that measures are being taken to prevent future attacks.