PHOTOS: Air chief visits Zamfara air strike victims, takes responsibility for civilian casualties

Hasan Abubakar, the chief of air staff (COAS), has visited the victims and families affected by the recent air strike in Zamfara state.

On January 10, some civilians, including members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG) and vigilantes, were mistakenly killed in an air strike operation by the Nigerian Airforce (NAF) in Tungar Kara, Maradun LGA of the state.

In a statement issued on Thursday by Kabiru Ali, deputy director of public relations and information for NAF, the COAS described the incident as “a painful departure from NAF’s commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens”.

The air chief, who admitted responsibility for the casualties recorded during the strike, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring that such incidents are minimised.

“NAF fully acknowledges the pain this incident has caused and does not take the situation lightly,” the statement reads.

He said the 11 vigilante members were killed, while 11 others sustained injuries in an air strike targeted at terrorists in the community.

Abubakar noted that NAF would provide financial support for the families of the deceased and reconstruct the damaged buildings in the affected village.

He added that the air force would also provide the community with a solar-powered borehole and replace the two motorcycles destroyed in the air strike.

He acknowledged that while the efforts could not undo the loss suffered, they demonstrated the air force’s resolve to make amends and provide relief to those affected.

Dauda Lawal, the governor of Zamfara, who received the COAS and his team, expressed gratitude for their visit and for standing in solidarity with the affected families “during this difficult time”.

He commended the proactive measures taken to prevent future occurrences.

Seizing the moment, the governor presented the NAF with a certificate of occupancy (C of O) for a parcel of land near the Gusau airport, designated for the establishment of a new air force base.

See photos below.