– The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expressed sadness over the accidental air strike by its fighter jet at Rann in Borno state
– Nigeria’s minister of information, Lai Mohammed says the bombing is not a true reflection of NAF’s professionalism
– General TY Danjuma has described the incidence as tragic
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has expressed sadness over the accidental air strike by its fighter jet in an Internal Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Rann, Borno state leading to the death of about 53 people with 120 injured.
File photo of Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (r) and other senior Air Force officers
”The loss occasioned by this unfortunate incident is deeply regretted,” NAF said in a message on its Facebook page.
”The NAF commiserates with those affected and their families and would update the public as soon as detailed facts emerge from the investigation,” the statement added.
On his part, the minister of information and culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has described as utterly tragic the accidental bombing.
READ ALSO: President Buhari condoles with family and Borno state over IDP camp bombing
Lai Mohammed saddened by the operational mistake of the Air Force
In a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, January 18, the minister sent his condolences to the families of those who died in the unfortunate bombing and prays for quick recovery for the injured.
Alhaji Mohammed further said the accidental bombing is not a true reflection of the level of professionalism that he witnessed during his recent visit to the North-east.
”One of the things we went away with after spending some two days at the Tactical Air Command in Yola is the strict adherence to operational guidelines and the high level of professionalism of the officers and men, especially the young pilots who fly high-risk missions day and night.
”Among others, we witnessed pre- and post-mission briefings for the pilots, the high attention paid to details, especially concerning emergencies and weather, and the evacuation plan in case of accidents.
‘We heard that
”It therefore came to me as a rude shock to learn, a few hours after leaving Yola, that one of the fighter jets has accidentally bombed civilians, including aid workers,” he said.
READ ALSO: IDP camp bombing: Oby Ezekwesili blasts Nigerian army for costly mistake
The Minister urged the NAF to continue to take the necessary measures to avoid civilian casualties, as it carries out its challenging task of keeping Nigerians safe.
Meanwhile, the chairman of the Presidential Committee on the North East Initiative (PCNI), General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd) has described as tragic the incident that occured yesterday, January 17.
General TY Danjuma (rtd) described the incident as regrettable
Danjuma said the monumental loss at the camp in Rann, was not only tragic but highly regrettable.
In a statement released by the PCNI ‘s head of media and communications, Alkasim Abdulkadir, he expressed his heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Borno state and aid organisations affected.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with IDP families, the International Committee of the Red Cross ICRC, Medicines Sans Frontiers MSF, Nigerian Red Cross NRC and other volunteers affected by the ill-fated incident,” the statement said.
READ ALSO: Condemnations trail Air Force mistaken attack on IDP camp
Danjuma further stated that the protection and stabilization of vulnerable people fleeing the Boko Haram conflict and also safe guarding the lives of aid workers bringing medical and relief items to IDP families remains the utmost concern of government and a thorough investigation will be carried out to avoid similar mishaps in the future.
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