Vice-President Kashim Shettima has extended apologies to the families of civilians killed during a military airstrike in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State on December 25.
The airstrike, which targeted a logistics base of the Lakurawa terrorist group, inadvertently killed 10 civilians in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Stanley Nkwocha, Shettima’s media aide, the vice-president described the incident as “one of the rare but unfortunate consequences of counter-terrorism operations.”
“I must say we are sorry and dismayed at the civilian casualties incurred and the excruciating pain that ensues in these extremely difficult times,” Shettima said.
The vice-president expressed condolences to the government and people of Sokoto State, as well as to the families of those affected.
“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,” the statement read.
Shettima acknowledged the difficulty faced by the armed forces in distinguishing between terrorists and civilians during operations, while calling for understanding and support for the military.
“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,” he said.
The vice-president reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and restoring peace across Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to provide intelligence to security agencies to improve precision in counter-terrorism efforts.
“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 without fear of attacks,” Shettima added.
