NAF Expresses ‘Concern’ Over Death Of Civilians In Zamfara Airstrike, Commences Investigation
Reports that the Nigerian Air Force carried out airstrikes on terrorist hideouts, including those ties to infamous bandit leader Bello Turji, led to the death of Zamfara State civilians, have sparked the concern of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).
At least 16 people were killed when the airstrike on the Tungar Kara community in the Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State on Saturday evening allegedly hit members of the Zamfara Community Protection Guard (ZCPG), local vigilantes, and residents.
Maharazu Salisu Gado Faru, a lawmaker from the Maradun II Constituency in the Zamfara State House of Assembly, confirmed that the report had referred to the airstrike as an accident and claimed it had targeted local vigilantes who had mobilized to fight the bandits.
Responding to the incident, NAF spokesperson AVM Akinboyewa in a Sunday statement titled, “NAF Conducts Decisive Air Strikes in Zamfara, Investigating Vigilante Casualty Reports”. said that its operations were typically conducted with caution in mind for human lives.
READ ALSO: 16 Killed As Airstrike Tragedy Hits Zamfara Community
Akinboyewa stressed that there is no conclusive proof to support reports of civilian casualties while confirming that an investigation is still being conducted.
The recent airstrike at Tungar Kara in Zamrafa State’s Zumi Local Government Area dealt a significant blow to bandits who were enroiling nearby towns.
“The NAF concerns a lot about reports of the loss of civilian lives during the course of the operation, despite the successful elimination of several bandits and leading to the recovery of some kidnap victims.
The NAF believes in the absolute value of every Nigerian’s life and is a responsible and professional guardian of airpower for the security of the country.
” Accordingly, a comprehensive investigation is in progress, to ascertain the veracity of the report, the outcome of which will be duly communicated to inform and reassure the public.
“While our mission in the North West continues to combat banditry and bring peace, all Nigerians’ safety and well-being are of the utmost importance,” he asks.
Source: Channels TV
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