The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has condemned the recent military bomb attack on Silame Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto state, which left 10 people dead and numerous others injured.
The tragic incident, which occurred on December 25, 2025, has drawn widespread criticism, with the ACF describing it as “one mistake far too many.”
The Sokoto state Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Aliyu, responded promptly by visiting the affected communities, participating in the funerals of the victims, and pledging that the injured would receive government-funded medical care.
The ACF praised the state government for its swift intervention and urged that the Governor’s promises be fulfilled without delay.
In its statement, by the ACF National Publicity Secretary Prof. Tukur Muhammad-Baba, the forum expressed deep sadness over the Silame incident, linking it to a disturbing pattern of military actions resulting in civilian casualties.
Citing similar cases, including the Tudun Biri bombing in Kaduna State and other incidents in Adamawa and Nasarawa states, the forum stressed that these tragedies are becoming alarmingly frequent and unacceptable.
“The Silame disaster is simply one far too many. The bland response of a military spokesperson insisting the attack was on a planned target is most insensitive,” the statement read.
The ACF recalled that the military initially denied responsibility for the Tudun Biri attack but later admitted it was a mistake after internal investigations.
The forum extended its condolences to the families of the victims, the people of Silame, and the Sokoto State Government.
It called on the federal government and the military high command to launch a thorough investigation into the bombing, with the findings made public.
ACF then emphasized the need for accountability, urging that steps be taken to prevent future occurrences.
“Never again must anyone, anywhere, suffer such costs as these clearly avoidable mistakes bring,” the forum stated.
The ACF also called for immediate compensation to the families of the deceased and the injured in line with Islamic legal principles.
It urged the Sokoto State Government to insist on justice and extend additional support to help the affected community rebuild their lives and livelihoods.
The forum further appealed to humanitarian organisations, wealthy individuals, and the general public to provide relief to the Silame community in its hour of need.
It warned against the diversion of relief materials, emphasizing that no one should exploit the tragedy for personal gain.
ACF however recommended that all promises made to the victims of the Silame attack be fulfilled promptly, as was done for the Tudun Biri community.
It also called for a reevaluation of military strategies and tactics to minimize civilian casualties in security operations.
While reaffirming its unwavering support for the military and other security agencies in their fight against terrorism, the forum insisted that such support should not preclude the need for accountability.
It stressed that the “human cost of military errors is too high” and urged the authorities to prioritise the protection of innocent lives.
