Sokoto Airstrikes Tragedy: "We Are Sorry and Dismayed at the Civilian Casualties Incurred" Says VP Shettima, Tenders Apology to Affected Families

Olufemi Orunsola 

Vice President Kashim Shettima has tendered an apology to the families of victims who were affected by the recent bombing in Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News recals that the airstrikes which took place on Christmas day, December 25, targeted a logistics base of the Lakurawa insurgent group in two communities within the area but tragically claimed the lives of ten civilians.

OTN News reports that some three days later, Vice Presidenf Shettima had expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those inadvertently affected by the military operation against the terrorist group.

The Vice President described the incident as a rare and tragic occurrence, noting that such moments highlight the unfortunate reality of innocent civilians being caught in the crossfire during efforts to eradicate terrorism in the country.

OTN News further reports that he Vice President’s apology was contained in a statement issued by his media ide, Stanley Nkwocha, on Saturday.

The statement reads in part, “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 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.”

Shetimma expressed regret over the incident, clarifying that the Nigerian troops require the support of all to Tame and eradicate terrorism in the country.OPEN ⁶

The Vice President maintained that if the military is not given relevant useful information and intelligence, the officers will maintain accuracy and precision in fishing out the terrorists from among innocent villagers they are staking their lives to protect.

He assured the people of the state of the Federal Government’s support, vowing that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will not rest on its oars until terror groups and other criminal elements are completely wiped out of the country.

“On behalf of our gallant officers, I apologize 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. We have all been impressed by the courage and dedication of our troops, and by the dignity and resilience which lies behind the determination to prevail against such monstrous evil.

“Security is not one man’s business. Together, we will surely make a difference as a people. I sincerely call for your support, especially from people in the flashpoints of the war against terror who have always helped the operations of our military.

“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.”