The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has disclosed that it has commenced an investigation into a fighter jet air strike in ”Buhari village” in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
This is just as the Governor of Yobe State, Mai Mala-Buni, has directed government hospitals in Geidam and Damaturu to offer free medical services to all who sustained injuries in the incident.
NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, announced the investigation in a statement issued on Thursday, September 16, 2021, in Abuja.
The statement said: “Following intelligence on insurgents movements along the Kamadougou Yobe River line, an aircraft from the Air Component of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ was detailed to respond to the suspected insurgents activities in the area along the Nigeria/Niger border at about 0600hrs on Sept 15.
“The aircraft while operating South of Kanama observed suspicious movement consistent with the insurgents behaviour whenever a Jet aircraft is overhead.
“Accordingly, the pilot fired some probing shots. It is important to state that the area is well known for continuous insurgents activities.
“But unfortunately, reports reaching NAF Headquarters alleged that some civilians were erroneously killed while others were injured.”
Air Commodore Gabkwet explained that the earlier report which denied the involvement of NAF aircraft in the incident was based on the first report available to the Air Component and forwarded to NAF headquarters.
He further said a Board of Inquiry had since been constituted to probe the circumstances of the incident.
Meanwhile, Gov. Mai Mala-Buni of Yobe has directed government hospitals in Geidam and Damaturu to offer free medical services to those who sustained injuries in the disaster.
Spokesman to the Governor, Mamman Mohammed, made this known in Damaturu on Thursday.
He said the Governor also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide relief materials to victims.