Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Sokoto State following the deaths of about 10 civilians in an airstrike targeting the Lakurawa terrorist group in Silame Local Government Area.
The incident occurred on December 25, 2024, when a military operation targeted a logistics base of the Lakurawa insurgent group in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities.
The Nigerian Air Force has insisted the strike was based on credible intelligence and confirmatory aerial surveillance.
However, reports of civilian casualties are being thoroughly investigated, according to Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Air Force.
In a statement issued by his spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President extended his sympathies to the families of the victims and acknowledged the tragic loss of innocent lives during the operation.
“I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the Government and people of Sokoto State, particularly families of those who lost their lives in the coordinated joint operation by the air and land components of Operation Fansan Yamma to eliminate Lakurawa terrorist groups at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area,” he stated.
“I must say we are sorry and dismayed at the civilian casualties incurred and the excruciating pain that ensues in these extremely difficult times. I call for understanding, especially when it is considered that our gallant men of the Armed Forces were fighting and paying the supreme price to protect the lives of those caught in the crossfire.
“My thoughts and prayers particularly go out to the relatives of those who perished in the tragic event. May Almighty God ease your pain and grant you the courage and patience to bear the loss,” Shettima added.
The Vice President emphasized the importance of supporting the military, urging the public to provide information that could help ensure greater precision in operations.
“On behalf of our gallant officers, I apologise for this great loss. I urge you to continue to give our brave officers the assistance they need in carrying out their operations to ensure a safer country for all of us.
“Let me assure you that the administration of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is hell-bent on weeding out what is left of terror elements in the country and will stop at nothing in ensuring a peaceful Nigeria where farmers work freely in their farms and all Nigerians go about their businesses and other activities without fear of attacks from agents of death,” he said.
In addition to addressing the tragedy in Sokoto, Vice President Shettima led a delegation to Jigawa State on Saturday to condole with Governor Alhaji Umar Namadi over the deaths of his mother, Hajiya Mariam Namadi, and his eldest son, Abdulwahab Namadi, who passed within 24 hours of each other.
The Vice President was accompanied by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, members of the National Assembly from Jigawa State, and other top government officials.
During the visit to Hadejia, Shettima reflected on the inevitability of death, saying, “We are all from Allah, and at the train station with our baggage waiting for the train. From where? From Allah, to where, to Allah. Our bags and baggage are our deeds in this world.”
