Tobias Sylvester
The Federal Government has apologized after 64 persons were killed in an airstrike by the Nigerian military in Mutumji Community, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
FG Apologises Over Civilians Killed In Zamfara Airstrike
It was gathered that the victims, including women and children, were killed when a military plane bombed the community while chasing fleeing bandits who reportedly invaded the town
The Nigerian Air Force reportedly responded to distress calls on Saturday and Sunday from locals following armed bandits’ attack on Malele, Ruwan Tofa, and Yan-Awake communities in the area.
Residents said the attack on the three communities was adequately foiled by the air raids which forced the rampaging gunmen to flee into the neighboring Mutumji community for safety.
No fewer than reached 68 persons including soldiers and terrorists lost their lives in the airstrikes. Women and children were also among the casualties.
Reacting to the development after this week’s Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, described the incident as “unfortunate.”
Mohammed said the federal government regrets the “collateral deaths” in Zafara, stressing that fighting against insurgency is a very difficult task.
He said, “In respect of the unfortunate collateral deaths in Zamfara State, the Federal Government regrets this. Fighting insurgency is a very difficult thing. And as much as the air force or the military are careful, once in a while, it does happen. That innocent people actually also suffer. We regret it.
“But I think it is the nature of fighting insurgency, and the military are very, very careful, especially the Air Force and the army when trying to contain insurgency not to allow innocent lives to be lost. The Air Force regrets it, we regret it. But unfortunately, once in a while, it happens.”
KanyiDaily had also reported how a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jet targeting bandits killed six children in the Kurebe area of Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.
