Tragic Mistake: Air Chief Orders Investigation Into Zamfara Civilian Casualties

Tragic Mistake: Air Chief Orders Investigation Into Zamfara Civilian Casualties

Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), has dispatched a high-level fact-finding team to Zamfara State following reports of accidental civilian casualties during a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) operation…Tragic Mistake: Air Chief Orders Investigation Into Zamfara Civilian Casualties

in the state.

The incident reportedly occurred in Kakindawa village, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where 16 vigilantes were allegedly killed.

Garba Umar, an indigene of the area, shared with The PUNCH on Sunday that the incident took place on Saturday evening when the village’s vigilante group was on a mission to assist neighbors in Tungar Kara village, who had been attacked by bandits.

The Zamfara State government and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state confirmed the accidental bombing and expressed condolences to the families of the victims.

In a statement on Monday, NAF revealed that the fact-finding team is led by Air Vice Marshal Edward K. Gabkwet, Director of Coordination and Cooperation in the Civil-Military Relations Branch of NAF Headquarters.

The team has been tasked with conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.

A statement from NAF spokesperson, AVM Olusola Akinboyewa, emphasized that the team will engage with state and local government officials, along with other key stakeholders, to ensure a comprehensive assessment of the events.

Akinboyewa stated, “The CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, is deeply concerned about the reported civilian casualties in the recent NAF airstrikes in Zamfara State. The fact-finding team, led by AVM Edward Gabkwet, is committed to a thorough investigation to ensure a detailed report is provided for further action.”

This incident follows a similar accidental bombing by the Nigerian Air Force in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, where civilians were mistakenly targeted, resulting in fatalities and injuries.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army also extended relief efforts, offering free medical services to over 5,000 residents of Gidan Gabas in the Dange/Shuni Local Government Area of Sokoto State as part of this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day activities.

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