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Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Hassan Abubakar apologised on behalf of the Nigerian Air Force.
The Air Marshall's apology was to the Nasarawa state government and families of the 2023 airstrike victims.
Recall in January 2023, NAF in an accidental airstrike, bombed Doma Local Government Headquarters, Rukubi community residents
He said, “I Air Marshal Abubakar and my team are in the State to sympathize 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 its insecurity occasioned by kidnapping and terrorism.
"Within the period, you would recall that six primary school pupils were also kidnapped in Doma LGA.
“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 air strike at Rukubi.
"Our interest in initiating ways and means in reaching out to the victims, their families or their representatives on the need to calm nerves and bring a close to the matter.”
