2023 airstrike: Air chief admits killing of innocent civilians in Nasarawa, seeks forgiveness
The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, has apologised to the Nasarawa State Government and families of the victims of the 2023 airstrike, asking them to forgive the Force over the accidental airstrike that claimed the lives of many residents of Rukubi community in Doma, the headquarters of Doma Local Government Area in January 2023.
Daily Trust Saturday reports that an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force led to killings of innocent civilians and cattle in Rukubi community in 2023.
But the Nigerian Air Force had repeatedly denied killing civilians during the airstrike, insisting that those killed were terrorists.
However, Abubakar, who spoke during a condolence visit to Governor Abdullahi Sule at the Government House, Lafia, the state capital yesterday, admitted culpability almost one year after, explaining that the airstrike was not a deliberate action by officers of the Nigerian Air Force.
He explained that intelligence report was received by the NAF, that some terrorists were sighted on motorcycles in a location around the Rukubi community, but in its efforts to confront them with weapons, innocent civilians in the area lost their lives.
“I and my team are in the state to sympathise and condole the government and people of the state over the killing of some herders in Rukubi community of Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State in a military airstrike in January of 2023.
“It is not news that the general area (Rukubi) at that time had been well known for insecurity, occasioned by kidnapping and terrorism. Within the period, you would recall that six primary school pupils were also kidnapped in the Doma Local Government Area.
“This necessitated the surveillance by the Nigerian Air Force within the period. 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 airstrike at Rukubi.
“Our interest in initiating ways and means in reaching out to the victims, their families or their representatives is on the need to calm nerves and bring a close to the matter,” he said.
Responding, Governor Sule appreciated the Nigerian Air Force for owning up to its mistake and agreeing to pacify the victims and relatives of the accidental airstrike in the state.
The governor, who was emotional while speaking on the matter, recalled how an 80-year-old man lost his 9 children and over 80 cows during the strike.
“Your coming at this time is perfect; 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 said.