The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has officially apologized to the Nasarawa State Government and the families affected by the inadvertent airstrike that occurred in January 2023.
The tragic incident took place in the Rukubi community of Doma, resulting in the loss of civilian lives.
During his condolence visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House in Lafia, Air Marshal Abubakar addressed the circumstances surrounding the airstrike, emphasizing that it was not intentional but rather an unfortunate outcome of a targeted operation against terrorists.
Abubakar explained that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) had acted on intelligence regarding the presence of terrorists on motorcycles near the Rukubi community. In the process of engaging these threats, innocent civilians were inadvertently killed.
Governor Abdullahi Sule, acknowledging the complexities of military operations and the challenges they pose, received the Air Force Chief. Abubakar expressed regret over the incident, stating, “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.”
The Air Force Chief’s visit aimed to solicit the governor’s intervention in addressing the concerns of the victims of the accidental airstrike in Rukubi. Abubakar expressed the NAF’s commitment to ending the menace of kidnapping, terrorism, banditry, and cattle rustling in Nasarawa State and Nigeria as a whole.
Governor Sule, emotional while discussing the matter, recalled the devastating impact on one elderly man who lost his nine children and over 80 cows to the airstrike. The governor appreciated the Nigerian Air Force for owning up to its mistakes and agreeing to pacify the victims and their relatives.
Sule stated, “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.” The governor highlighted the importance of reconciliation and support in the aftermath of the tragic incident.
