The Nigerian Air Force has apologised to families of deceased who were killed in the January 23rd 2023, airstrike that claimed 37 lives in Rukubi boarder community between Nasarawa and Benue states.
The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, stated this on Friday, while on a condolence visit to the emir of Lafia.
Abubakar who took responsibility for the Air bombardment on the victims who we’re mostly youths while offloading their cows released to them by 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 airstrikes which unfortunately killed innocent civilians.
“Thereafter, there was a lot of outcry by well-meaning Nigerians that a number of innocent civilians may have been killed during the airstrike.”
He said further investigation into the incident revealed that truly, in deed a number of innocent civilians were killed in the airstrike.
The Chief of Air Staff said the NAF is poised to continue to provide the needed service in the interest of Nigerians.
“Military were employed and paid to protect the lives and property of citizens and whenever the military is accused of killing innocent civilians its painful to us,” he said.
However, he added that his visit to Nasarawa state was to condole to the families of those who affected in the air raid which according to him was highly regrettable.
On his part, the emir of Lafia Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed (rtd), who is also the chairman Nasarawa state council of chiefs described the visit of the Chief of Air staff to the state as novel.
The emir stated that, “We have never witnesses this kind of visit before coming from an authorised organization to apologise to us and own up to a mistake committed in the course of carrying out a legitimate assignment.
The emir however, state that the traditional institution will continue to strengthen collaboration with security agencies as the they take measures to tackle insecurity in the state.
