In a statement issued by his media aide, Stanley Nkwocha, on Saturday, Vice President Shettima conveyed his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He acknowledged the sorrowful reality that, despite best efforts, innocent civilians sometimes become casualties in the crossfire during military operations aimed at eradicating terrorism from the country.
The military operation, aimed at dismantling the logistics base of the Lakurawa insurgent group in the Silame region, tragically resulted in the deaths of approximately ten villagers and left many others injured. This incident has cast a shadow over the otherwise commendable efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces in their ongoing fight against terrorism.
Vice President Shettima, speaking on behalf of the military, expressed profound regret for the unfortunate loss of civilian lives. He underscored the importance of the military's mission to protect the nation from terrorist threats but acknowledged the need for greater precision and accuracy to prevent such tragic occurrences in the future.
In his statement, Shettima solicited the continued support of the local populace for the military's operations. He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is a collective effort that requires the active participation and cooperation of all citizens, particularly those residing in areas prone to terrorist activities. By providing valuable information, civilians can aid the military in distinguishing between insurgents and innocent villagers, thereby enhancing the accuracy and effectiveness of their operations.
"On behalf of our gallant officers, I apologize for this great loss," Shettima stated. "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."
Vice President Shettima assured the people of Sokoto State that the federal government remains steadfast in its commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians. He reiterated that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is dedicated to eliminating terrorist groups and other criminal elements from the country.
"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," Shettima declared.
In his message to the government and people of Sokoto State, Vice President Shettima expressed his deepest sympathies to the families affected by the military operation. He recognized the pain and suffering caused by the loss of loved ones and assured them of the federal government's support during this difficult time.
"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," Shettima said. "I must say we are sorry and dismayed at the civilian casualties incurred and the excruciating pain that ensues in these extremely difficult times."
In a related but separate incident, Vice President Shettima led a delegation on a condolence visit to the government and people of Jigawa State following the deaths of the mother and son of the state governor, Alhaji Umar Namadi. Hajiya Mariam Namadi, the governor’s mother, passed away on December 25, and within 24 hours, the governor also lost his eldest son, Abdulwahab Namadi.
Shettima was accompanied on this visit to Hadejia, Jigawa State, by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State, Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, and several members of the National Assembly from Jigawa State, as well as other top government officials.
During the condolence visit, Vice President Shettima offered words of comfort and solidarity to Governor Namadi and his family. He reflected on the inevitability of death and the importance of cherishing the memories and legacies of those who have passed.
"Death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck," Shettima noted. "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."
Addressing the purpose of their visit, Shettima stated, "We are here on a very sad note to condole with you over the loss of the matriarch of your family and pillar of support for you, and followed sadly by that of your beloved son. May Allah grant the souls of the deceased eternal rest and Aljannah Firdaus. May Allah also grant the family the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses."
Kashim Shettima stated that he visited Sokoto State to tender profound apologies to the government and people of the State for the deaths of ten Sokoto villagers during a military operation in the State; and also to condole with the former Vice President for the deaths of his mother and son. It should be recalled that on December 25, 2024, tragedy struck the Silame area of Sokoto State when a military operation targeting a logistics base of the Lakurawa insurgent group inadvertently resulted in the deaths of several villagers. The Nigerian Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has publicly apologized to the families and residents affected by this incident, expressing deep regret and sympathy for their loss.
Comments
Post a Comment