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Air Force chief visits Zamfara, mourns airstrike victims — News — The Guardian Nigeria News – Nigeria and World News
Governor Dauda Lawal has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with security forces operating in Zamfara State, following the accidental airstrike that claimed the lives of 11 civilians on 11 January 2025 near Gidan Makera in Zurmi Local Government Area.
The civilian casualties, members of a local vigilante group, were mistakenly identified as bandits fleeing precision strikes carried out by the Air Component of Operation Fansar Yamma.
On Thursday, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, paid an official visit to Zamfara to express sympathy over the incident.
A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, highlighted Governor Lawal’s appreciation for the Nigerian Air Force’s prompt response to distress calls in volatile areas of Zamfara.
“I want to express my appreciation to the Chief of Air Staff, who, even before this visit, sent a strong delegation on two separate occasions to commiserate with us and the people of Zamfara,” the Governor said.
He reiterated that the airstrike was not intentional but a tragic accident, praising the Air Force for its commitment and professionalism in fighting insecurity in Zamfara, the North-West, and the entire nation.
“We have made it clear that we will never negotiate with bandits. Our position is paying off, as peace is gradually returning to Zamfara,” he added.
The Governor also revealed that Zamfara is constructing an airport and urged the Air Force to establish a hangar in the state for swift military operations once the facility is completed.
In his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff thanked Governor Lawal for his cooperation in addressing the tragic incident and explained the circumstances leading to the airstrike.
“On January 11, 2025, airstrikes were conducted in Zamfara based on intelligence reports of terrorist activity linked to the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji. A few days later, reports emerged that members of a vigilante group were mistakenly hit.”
Abubakar confirmed that a fact-finding committee had investigated the claims and determined that 11 vigilante members were unintentionally killed.
“Our visit today is to express our deepest sympathy to you, the victims’ families, and the people of Zamfara regarding this unfortunate incident,” he said.
Governor Lawal and Air Marshal Abubakar later held a private meeting with the families of the deceased and 11 others who sustained injuries, offering condolences and assurances of continued government support.
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