Vice President Kashim Shettima has apologised to the Sokoto State Government and the people of the state following the loss of lives during a joint military operation against the Lakurawa terrorist group.
The operation targeted terrorist hideouts in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Shettima, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Stanley Nkwocha, on Saturday, December 28, 2024, expressed sympathy to the families of those mistakenly affected by the military onslaught on the terrorists.
The vice president noted that it was one of those rare and sorrowful moments when innocent civilians were caught in the crossfire during the ongoing efforts to rid the country of all forms of terrorism.
He said: “I would like to extend my deep sympathies and condolences to the government and people of Sokoto State, particularly to the families of those who lost their lives in this joint operation.
“The operation, conducted by both the air and land components of Operation Fansan Yamma, was aimed at neutralising the Lakurawa terrorist group at their hideouts in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities.
“I must say that we are sorry and dismayed by the civilian losses and the immense suffering that follows in such difficult times.”
Troops kill Lakurawa terrorists, destroy 22 camps in Sokoto, Kebbi
Shettima called for understanding, highlighting the sacrifices made by the military in their efforts to protect civilians.
Shettima added: “Our gallant men and women of the Armed Forces are paying the ultimate price to protect the lives of those caught in the crossfire.
“My thoughts and prayers go out, particularly to the relatives of those who perished in this tragic event.
“May the Almighty God ease your pain and grant you the courage and patience to bear the loss.”
Shettima, on behalf of the military, expressed regret over the incident and called for continued support for the troops.
He emphasised that with valuable information from the local population, the military would be able to carry out operations with greater precision, targeting terrorists while minimising harm to innocent civilians.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters clarified that the death of 10 civilians in Gidan Bisa and Gidan Ruutuwa in Sokoto State was due to secondary explosions, not direct military airstrikes.
The Director of Defence of Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said the joint operation by the air and land components of Operation Fassan Yamma on December 25 was a response to confirmed terrorist activity in the region.
Buba, who made the clarification while briefing newsmen in Abuja on Friday, explained that although the airstrikes targeted terrorist hideouts, the secondary explosions caused civilian casualties in the surrounding villages.
“The operation successfully neutralised the Lakurawa terrorist group’s hideouts,” he stated.
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