The Chief of the Air Workers, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has deployed a high-level fact-finding crew to Zamfara State over alleged unintentional bombing of civilian casualties throughout Saturday’s operation by NAF within the state.
The unintentional bombing reportedly occurred in Kakindawa village, Maradun Native Authorities Space of Zamfara State, with 16 vigilantes allegedly killed.
An indigene of the realm, Garba Umar, instructed The PUNCH on Sunday that the incident occurred on Saturday night when the village’s vigilante group was on its method to help neighbors in Tungar Kara village, who had been attacked by bandits.
Zamfara State authorities and the All Progressives Congress within the state additionally confirmed the unintentional bombing and commisserated with the households of the victims.
Within the assertion on Monday, NAF stated the fact-finding crew is led by Air Vice Marshal Edward Ok. Gabkwet, Director of Coordination and Cooperation within the Civil-Army Relations Department of NAF Headquarters.
The crew is tasked with conducting an intensive investigation into the incident.
An announcement on Monday by the NAF spokesperson, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, stated the crew would interact with state and native authorities officers, in addition to different crucial stakeholders, to collect a complete understanding of the occasions.
He stated, “Involved in regards to the reported incidence of civilian casualties within the current NAF airstrikes in Zamfara State, the CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has dispatched a fact-finding crew to Zamfara to totally examine the incident and supply an in depth report for additional motion.
“The crew, led by AVM Edward Gabkwet, DCC within the Civil-Army Relations Department of NAF Headquarters, will liaise and interface with state and native authorities officers in addition to all different crucial stakeholders, for a holistic evaluation of the state of affairs with a view to driving the suitable response.”
Akinboyewa said that the CAS was dedicated to the very best stage of professionalism.
He stated, “The CAS needs to reiterate the NAF’s dedication to the very best stage of professionalism and transparency within the conduct of operations, in step with applicable international requirements.
“Our absolute worth for the life and well-being of each Nigerian stays an integral a part of the ethos of the service, as we maintain the trouble to defeat all threats to our nation’s peace, safety and prosperity. Aware additionally of the necessity to keep public belief, which is germane to our operational effectiveness, we enjoin all stakeholders to relaxation assured that the NAF will proceed to refine its operational procedures to make sure mission accomplishment, whereas defending civilians and civilian infrastructure.”
This Zamfara incident bombing comes solely weeks after the Christmas Day unintentional bombing of civilians in two communities within the Silame Native Authorities Space of Sokoto State by the Nigerian Air Power.
An airstrike, supposed to neutralise Lakurawa terrorists, mistakenly hit Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa communities, killing at the very least 10 villagers and leaving a number of others wounded.
In the meantime, the Nigerian Military on Monday supplied free medical providers to over 5,000 residents of Gidan Gabas within the Dange/Shuni Native Authorities Space of Sokoto State.
The gesture was a part of actions to mark this yr’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day,.
Talking on the flag-off ceremony, the Basic Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 of Operation Hadarin Daji, Maj. Gen. Ibikunke Ajose, stated the initiative mirrored the Nigerian Military’s dedication to its company social tasks and its dedication to offering aid to underserved communities.
Represented by the Commander of 8 Division, 78 Brigade Provide and Transport, Brig. Gen. Ogbonnaya Igwe, Ajose stated, “The medical crew has come ready with adequate medicine and assets to make sure that everybody who participates on this train receives ample care. We selected rural areas like Gidan Gabas to make sure the providers attain those that want them essentially the most.”