The Nigerian Air Force has apologized to the families of the deceased who were killed in the January 23rd, 2023, Air strike that claimed 37 lives in the Rukubi border community between Nasarawa and Benue States.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, stated this, while on a conference visit to the Emir of Lafia.
Abubakar who took responsibility for the Air bombardment on the victims who were mostly youths while offloading their cows released to them by the Benue state government said; “the action was
accidental.”
He explained that the Air Force, acting on intelligence that some terrorists on motorcycles were operating in the area, carried out an airstrike operation which unfortunately killed innocent civilians.
“Thereafter, there was a lot of outcry by well-meaning Nigerians that several innocent civilians may have been killed during the airstrike,”Abubakar said.
Further investigation
He said further investigation into the incident revealed that truly, in deed several innocent civilians were killed in the airstrike.
The Chief of Air Staff said the organisation is poised to continue to provide the needed service in the interest of Nigerians
He said; “Military was employed and paid to protect the lives and property of citizens and whenever the military is accused of killing innocent civilians it’s painful to us.
“That necessitated our visit to Nasarawa State today to offer our condolences to the government and the families and those affected and bring closure to the unfortunate accident.”
However, Abubakar added that his visit to Nasarawa state was to condole to the families of those who were affected in the air raid which according to him was highly reheatable.
Speaking, Nasarawa State Gov. Abdullahi Sule, welcomed the initiative by the Chief of Air Staff to comfort those who lost their love once in that unfortunate incident.
Gov. Sule described the action of the Chief of Air Staff as first of its kind and expressed optimism that it would bring the lingering issue to close.
Commendation
The Governor also commended the Air Force and other security agencies for their roles in keeping peace in the state and promised to continue to support them in their operations.
Also speaking, the Emir of Lafia Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed (rtd) who is also the chairman of Nasarawa State Council of Chiefs described the visit of the Chief of Air Staff to the state as a novel.
He said; “We have never witnessed this kind of visit before coming from an authorized organization to apologize to us and own up to a mistake committed in the course of carrying out a legitimate assignment.”
The Emir, however, stated that the traditional institution would continue to strengthen collaboration with security agencies as they take measures to tackle insecurity in the state.
The meeting had in attendance Ardo Lawal Duno, and family members of the victims among others.
Mercy Chukwudiebere
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