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The Vice President of Nigeria, Kashim Shettima, has apologized to the families of victims caught in the crossfire when military airstrikes against Lakurawa terrorists killed some innocent residents of Sokoto State.
The Vice President, who visited Sokoto on Saturday, said it was unfortunate that civilian casualties were recorded in the operation against criminals and called for understanding from the people.
Naija News recalls about 10 people were killed on December 25, 2024, when a military airstrike against Lakurawa terrorists mistakenly resulted in the killing of villagers in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities of Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, and also left many others injured.
The Military authorities had maintained that the airstrike was against terrorists and it was a secondary explosion that resulted in civilian casualties.
Shettima on Saturday expressed deep condolences over the death of civilians in the military operation and commiserated with the people and government of Sokoto State.
The Vice President extended his heartfelt sympathy to families of those mistakenly hit by the military onslaught on the terrorist group, noting that it was one of those rare sad moments when innocent civilians are caught in the crossfire in the ongoing efforts to rid the country of all forms of terror.
“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.
“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 said, according to a statement on Saturday by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha.
The Vice President also apologized on behalf of the military and appealed for greater support for the security forces in combating criminal elements and keeping the country safe.
He assured 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,” he said.
