‘We won’t abandon You,’ Shettima assures families of slain officers

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Tuesday assured families of security personnel killed in a recent attack in Kebbi State that the Federal Government would not abandon them in their moment of grief, saying they “will not be abandoned.”

At least 44 people were killed in coordinated attacks on multiple communities in the northwestern part of Nigeria.

The attacks came a day after a Nigerian Army Brigadier, I. A. Braimah, and several soldiers were killed during an ambush by Boko Haram in Borno State.

Speaking during a condolence visit to Birnin Kebbi, Shettima, who led a high-level Federal Government delegation on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, said the administration remains committed to ensuring that the sacrifices of fallen officers are never forgotten or wasted.

“We are here in Kebbi, Your Excellency, at the behest of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to commiserate with you… over the sad developments in your state,” the Vice President said, referring to the killings of security operatives in Shanga Local Government Area and the death of the Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly.

He added, “The demise of the Speaker… the destruction of our communities in Shanga Local Government Area and, of course, the loss of our eleven gallant officers. Our hearts are with you.”

“The President also instructed me to come with the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to ensure that adequate measures are put in place to give succour and support to the displaced communities,” he said.

Shettima who conveyed President Tinubu’s directive for immediate federal intervention, including relief support for affected families and displaced communities, said the government would continue to stand by them.

“We are going to support you. We appreciate you, we adore you, we respect you, and we will take whatever measures that are necessary for you to do your duties as you ought to do,” he stated.