VP Shettima Commiserates With Victims Of Military Airstrike In Sokoto

• Pays condolence visit to Gov Namadi in Jigawa over demise of mother, son

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has extended deep condolences to the government and people of Sokoto State over those who lost their lives in the coordinated joint operation against the Lakurawa terrorist groups in their hideouts at Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities in Silame Local Government Area.

About 10 villagers were said to have lost their lives on December 25, 2024, when the military targeted a logistics base of the Lakurawa insurgent group in the Silame area of Sokoto State, leaving many others injured.

On Saturday, 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 crossfire in the ongoing efforts to rid the country of all forms of terror.

He said, “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.”

Senator Shettima on behalf of the military expressed regret over the incident, just as he solicited more support for the troops, noting that with useful information, the officers will maintain accuracy and precision in fishing out the terrorists from among innocent villagers they are staking their lives to protect.

He assured the people of the state of federal government’s support, vowing 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.”

Meanwhile, Vice President Shettima on Saturday led a delegation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on a condolence visit to the government and people of Jigawa State on the passing of the mother and son of the state governor, Alhaji Umar Namadi.

Within 24 hours after the passing of his mother, Hajiya Mariam Namadi, on December 25, the Governor suffered another tragedy, with the loss of his eldest son, Abdulwahab Namadi.

Senator Shettima was accompanied on the visit to Hadejia, Jigawa State, by Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State; Deputy Chief of Staff to the President, Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia; some members of the National Assembly from Jigawa State and top government functionaries.

Speaking during the condolence visit, the VP noted that “death is an inevitable destiny that is hanging on everyone’s neck”, even as he said, “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.”

Stating the purpose of their visit to the state, VP Shettima said, “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,” the VP further prayed.

VP Shettima Commiserates With Victims Of Military Airstrike In Sokoto

Loss of Mother and Son, Allah’s Will -Gov. Buni Consoles Jigawa Gov. Namadi

By: Mamman Mohammed,

Yobe state Governor Hon. Mai Mala Buni CON, COMN, on Saturday visited his Jigawa state counterpart Gov. Umar Namadi in Kafin Hausa, to condole him over the death of his mother Hajiya Maryam and son, Abdulwahab Umar Namadi.

Late Maryam died on 25th December 2024, after a brief illness in Kafin Hausa, and Abdulwahab died a day after while on transit to Kafin Hausa for the condolence of his grandmother.

Governor Buni described the deaths of two intimate family members as sad and irreparable loss to the Governor, his family and Jigawa state in general.

He said “as faithfuls, we are consoled by the fact that it was their appointed time and nothing happens to a believer but with the will of Allah the creator.

“We should pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased persons for Allah to grant them eternal rest in ‘Aljannat Firdaus’ Paradise.

“It is equally our prayer that Almighty Allah in His infinite mercy provides the family and their loved ones with succour and the fortitude to bear this sad, tragic and irrepable loss” he said.

“The government and people of Yobe state are with you in prayers at this trying moment” Buni assured assured Gov. Namadi and the people of Jigawa state.

Loss of Mother and Son, Allah’s Will -Gov. Buni Consoles Jigawa Gov. Namadi

CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TREATS OFFICERS, SOLDIERS OF 2 DIVISION TO 2024 CHRISTMAS LUNCH

By: POLYCARP OKOYE

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, NAM, celebrated Christmas with officers and soldiers of Headquarters (HQ) 2 Division Nigerian Army (NA), and other units and formations within its Area of Responsibility (AOR). The celebration was marked with a lunch held at Major General JM Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan, on Tuesday 24 December, 2024.

While delivering his Christmas goodwill message to troops, the COAS, who was represented by the Corps Commander Signals, NA, Major General GO Adesina, expressed delight over an opportunity to celebrate Christmas with troops in 2 Division NA. He gave thanks to God Almighty for assisting the NA in overcoming the many challenges it faced during the year; adding that the achievements recorded so far worth the celebration. The COAS said, “I want to take this moment to express my sincere gratitude and respect to all officers and soldiers for your doggedness and bravery in tackling the security challenges within your AOR.” This special Christmas lunch is intended to help me meet with troops in the field in an atmosphere of joy and festivity, so as to boost your morale and hopefully invigorate and recharge you all for the task that is still ahead of us in the new year.” General Oluyede further appreciated officers and soldiers who have paid the supreme price while serving the nation selflessly and defending its integrity. He saluted specially, the late COAS, Lieutenant General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, CFR, and all NA personnel who died defending Nigeria. “Our hearts and thoughts are always with their families”, he said, praying that God grants them eternal rest in his kingdom.

The Army Chief, also emphasized on commitment of the President and Commander – in – Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, to provide all necessary assistance the NA requires to deliver on its constitutional duties. “On my part, I have directed that the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS), be enhanced and sustained for the benefit of troops”, he said, urging them to key into the available scheme in Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment. He further stressed that welfare of troops including the injured and families of the dead will remain major focus of his welfare scheme.

Earlier in his welcome address, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 2 Division NA, Major General Obinna Onubogu, noted that the COAS’ approval of the lunch, was aimed at recognizing as well as appreciating troops for their dedication and commitment in the conduct of their duties. He appreciated the COAS for his strategic guidance and unwavering support which he said was key to the successs recorded by the Division.

He also thanked serving and retired senior officer and dignitaries who graced the occasion, saying their presence was inspirational, and an indication of sustained love and unwavering dedication which they still have for the system. Major General SO Olabanji, Major General A Alabi and Brigadier General D Dahiru, were in attendance and celebrated the festive period with troops.

Highpoints of the occasion, were the distribution of lunch and music displays by 2 Div NA life band. The COAS and GOC, including serving and retired senior officers present served troops extensively to their preferred dishes.

CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF TREATS OFFICERS, SOLDIERS OF 2 DIVISION TO 2024 CHRISTMAS LUNCH