The Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has met with families and victims of the accidental air strikes that occurred on 24 January 2023 near Rukubi in Doma Local Government Area (LGA).
The Airforce Chief was in Lafia, capital of Nasarawa State on 26 January 2024, where he acknowledged that, having reviewed the incident reports concerning the air strikes that were undertaken in pursuit of terrorists near Rukubi, innocent civilians may have erroneously been killed or injured in the process.
He expressed regret over the incident, noting that the unfortunate incident was not deliberate but had targeted suspected terrorists and cattle rustlers due to the heightened level of insecurity in the area at the time.
Speaking further, Air Marshal Abubakar told the families and victims that the interface, was a step towards conflict resolution and reconciliation and a show of commitment towards addressing grievances, fostering understanding as well as rebuilding trust between the NAF and the civilian population.
Earlier, Air Marshal Abubakar had met with the Governor of Nasarawa State, Abdullahi Sule where he solicited his support in interfacing with the representatives of the victims
This, he believes, will assist in answering some important questions, promote accountability, transparency and allow the NAF to learn valuable lessons to mitigate similar incidences, going forward.
According to the CAS, “Our efforts to mitigate civilian casualties as well as take responsibility in the event of accidental strikes are not just a reflection of our values as a Service, but also strategically imperative to our operations.”
In response, Governor Sule expressed delight over the visit and commended the CAS for revisiting the earlier report of the incident and for his efforts at making amends.
He said
“This is the first time a military organization is owing up to mistakes committed over a year ago, and I must commend you immensely. The fact that you have come personally and want a closure on this matter is the peak of professionalism worthy of emulation and commendation.”
At the meeting between the CAS, victims and the Emir of Lafia, His Royal Highness Justice Sidi Bage Muhammed I, the Emir praised the CAS for the initiative to make amends.
On 24 January 2023, air strikes by NAF aircraft were undertaken after intelligence revealed the sighting of suspected terrorists on 10 motorcycles transiting through Utagudu, near Rukubi in Doma LGA.
Unfortunately, the strikes resulted in innocent bystanders accidentally being killed.
(C) ControlTV 2024.
