The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has admitted that the airstrike attack on Rukubi community in Doma local government area of Nasarawa, which killed over 40 innocent civilians in early 2023 was in error.
Over 40 innocent civilians were killed through airstrikes in January 2023.
Speaking during a visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House, Lafia, the Air Marshal said the airstrike was accidental, appealing to the Nasarawa State Government to forgive the Force for the development.
He said NAF acted on intelligence report to the effect that some terrorists were sighted on motorcycles in a location around the Rukubi community but the operation turned out to be a disaster.
“It is not news that the general area (Rukubi) at that time had been well known for its insecurity occasioned by kidnapping and terrorism. Within the period you would recall that six primary school pupils were also kidnapped in the Doma LGA.
“This, necessitated the surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force within the period of time. Unfortunately, the airstrike killed some civilians at the location.
“The unfortunate incident of January 2023 was in no way deliberate as no military the world over, will intentionally kill those it is mandated to protect.
“Therefore, our visit to you (Governor Sule) is to solicit your kind intervention in interfacing with the representatives of the victims of the accidental air strike at Rukubi,” he explained.
He said it was urgent to reach out to families of those affected by the strike to calm nerves and bring the matter to a close.
He promised to collaborate with the state government in tackling the insecurity in the.state.
Responding, Sule commended the Nigerian Air Force for owning up to its mistakes and reaching out to the families of those affected.
“When the incident happened, I did not know how to handle it. I had to invite the Miyetti Allah leadership to come in and help me calm them.
“One of them who is about 80 years old made me shed tears because he said he had lost his nine children and about 80 cows to the airstrike. They all perished.
“He looked at me and said, I have nothing anymore here (on earth). I do not have children or cows. What do you want me to do Mr. Governor?, I looked at him and encouraged him to be patient, reminding him that he came to this world alone without any of those things and he will go back to the Almighty Allah one day without any those things. That was how he stopped crying and became calm on the matter.
“So, your coming at this time is perfect and I welcome you to Nasarawa State. We will continue to support you so that at the end of the day, you can continue to provide the services of protecting the lives of the people,” he said.
