Tragedy Unfolds - CAS Apologizes for Nasarawa Airstrike's Devastating Toll

  Tragedy Unfolds - CAS Apologizes for Nasarawa Airstrike's Devastating Toll

In a poignant gathering at the Palace of the Emir of Lafia, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), delivered a sincere apology for the catastrophic consequences of a fateful airstrike that unfolded on January 23, 2023, in Rukubi Community, Nasarawa State. This unfortunate incident claimed the lives of 37 individuals, prompting a reflection on the complexities surrounding the operation.

During the emotional meeting to console the families of the victims, Air Marshal Abubakar shouldered the responsibility for the airstrike. He elucidated that the decision to launch the operation was driven by a rising tide of criminal activities and terrorist threats, including the alarming abduction of primary school pupils. The Chief of Air Staff revealed that intelligence reports pointed to the presence of terrorists on motorcycles within the targeted area, necessitating swift action.

"The airstrike was conducted after a series of intelligence sightings of terrorist elements on motorcycles operating in the area. This is what prompted our visit to Nasarawa State today to offer our condolences to the government and the families of those affected and bring closure to the unfortunate accident," he explained.

Air Marshal Abubakar underlined the Air Force's commitment to transparency and accountability in all their operations. He conveyed assurances that measures had been implemented to prevent the recurrence of such tragic incidents in the future, emphasizing the importance of learning from this unfortunate event.

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State, present at the gathering, 

commended the efforts of the Air Force and other security agencies in maintaining peace within the state. He assured continued support for their operations, acknowledging the challenges they face in ensuring the safety and security of the region.

In response to the heartfelt apology, Retired Justice Sidi Bage Muhammad, the Emir of Lafia, conveyed gratitude on behalf of the families affected. He acknowledged the rare acknowledgment and apology from the Nigerian Air Force for an authorized duty gone awry. The Emir highlighted the significance of the Air Force taking responsibility and offering condolences, emphasizing its unprecedented nature.

"We express our deep appreciation to the Nigerian Air Force under the leadership of the Chief of the Air Staff for this visit. This is something new, that an authority like the Nigerian Air Force having conducted an authorized duty but an accident occurred on the line of duty, for them to accept and come back to apologize is something that has not happened before," he remarked.

The apology from the Chief of Air Staff is seen as a significant step toward acknowledging the human cost of military operations and fostering accountability. As Nasarawa State grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, the visit and apology provide a glimmer of hope for healing and understanding in the face of adversity. The families affected and the broader community will undoubtedly be watching closely for the implementation of preventative measures and the commitment to transparency promised by the Nigerian Air Force.