In an unfortunate and tragic turn of events, at least 10 civilians were killed and several others injured in an airstrike in Sokoto State on Christmas Day. The attack, which was part of an ongoing military operation against the Lakurawa terrorist group, targeted a logistics base in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities within the Silame Local Government Area.
The Nigerian Air Force had initially justified the strike, claiming that it was carried out based on credible intelligence and aerial surveillance confirming the presence of the terrorists. However, reports indicating civilian casualties have prompted an official apology from the Federal Government, with Vice President Kashim Shettima expressing his condolences to the affected families.
In a statement released on December 30, Shettima, representing the federal government, expressed deep regret over the loss of innocent lives. He described the deaths as an unintended consequence of the military’s mission to eliminate terror elements in the region.
“I would like to extend my deepest sympathies and condolences to the people of Sokoto State, especially to the families of those who tragically lost their lives. This was one of those rare and heartbreaking moments when innocent civilians were caught in the crossfire during a national operation to rid our country of terrorism,” Shettima said.
The airstrike, part of Operation Fansan Yamma, which is focused on eradicating the Lakurawa insurgent group, was intended to neutralize a terrorist cell that has been terrorizing the region. However, the civilian toll has cast a shadow over the operation, leading to public outcry over the loss of life.
Senator Shettima, who also serves as the special representative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, went on to call for understanding and empathy, especially for those affected by the tragic event. “We must remember that the men and women of our Armed Forces are putting their lives on the line to protect our country and its citizens,” Shettima noted, emphasizing the complexity and danger of military operations in volatile regions.
The Vice President’s statement highlighted the difficult nature of counterterrorism efforts, where such tragedies are sometimes unavoidable. “Our soldiers are fighting a determined enemy, but in the process, we regret that civilians have been caught up in this violence,” Shettima said, offering prayers for the grieving families and pledging the government’s support in ensuring justice for the victims.
Air Vice Marshal Olusola Akinboyewa, spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force, responded to the growing concerns about the airstrike by confirming that an investigation into the civilian casualties would be conducted. “We will leave no stone unturned in investigating the reports of civilian deaths. This incident is deeply regrettable, and we will ensure that a thorough review takes place,” Akinboyewa stated.
The attack occurred on December 25, when the military launched its airstrike against the terrorist group’s logistics base. The Lakurawa group, linked to a network of terror activities in the northwest, has been responsible for numerous attacks on both civilians and security forces in the region.
Local sources reported that the airstrike left several homes destroyed, with survivors recounting the horror of the explosion. One villager, who wished to remain anonymous, described the moment of the strike as “hellish.” “We never expected an airstrike. We thought it was the usual gunfire from far away. Then, the sky lit up and everything around us exploded. The air was thick with dust, and many of us couldn’t even find our loved ones. It was chaos,” the villager said.
The tragedy has sparked widespread condemnation, not only from local residents but also from various human rights organizations, which have called for a reassessment of military strategies that put civilians at risk. Amnesty International has urged the Nigerian government to take further precautions in its military operations, especially in areas densely populated by civilians.
“This was an unintentional but nonetheless devastating loss of life,” Amnesty International’s Nigerian representative said. “The Nigerian government must ensure that such incidents are avoided in future operations, with more emphasis on protecting civilian populations.”
While the airstrike was aimed at the Lakurawa insurgents, who have been linked to a series of deadly attacks in the region, the operation’s effectiveness has been overshadowed by the civilian casualties. Despite this, Vice President Shettima and the federal government have vowed to continue their fight against terrorism, expressing hope that the tragedy will lead to better intelligence-gathering and targeting precision in future military actions.
Senator Shettima, on behalf of the administration, also called for continued support from the public to help improve the effectiveness of security operations. “Our troops need your help. With your cooperation, we can ensure that our men and women in uniform can carry out their duties more effectively, reducing the risk of collateral damage while eliminating terror elements from our midst,” Shettima appealed.
He further reassured the citizens of Sokoto and other affected areas that the government remains committed to the safety and security of all Nigerians. “We are determined to ensure that no part of our country is under siege from criminals and terrorists,” he added.
In the aftermath of the attack, Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, also expressed his condolences to the families of the deceased and called for an investigation into the incident. “The loss of life is a tragedy, and I extend my heartfelt sympathy to the families of the victims. We must continue to work together to ensure the safety of all our people, and I call on all relevant authorities to thoroughly investigate this incident,” Tambuwal said in a statement.
