Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, Chief of Air Staff, has publicly acknowledged that the airstrike on Rukubi community in Doma local government area of Nasarawa, which resulted in the death of over 40 innocent civilians in early 2023, was a tragic mistake.
During a visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House, Lafia, he disclosed his regret and appealed to the Nasarawa State Government to forgive the Force for the development.
The Air Marshal explained that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) acted on intelligence reports that some terrorists were sighted on motorcycles in a location around the Rukubi community. However, the operation turned out to be a disaster.
He also emphasized the importance of reaching out to families of those affected by the strike to calm nerves and bring the matter to a close.
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Air Marshal Abubakar promised to collaborate with the state government in tackling the issue and ensuring that such incidents do not occur again in the future.
NAF said:
“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.”
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