The Nigerian Air Force on Wednesday refuted the reports making the round that its air bombardments against bandits at Sububu in Zamfara State had led to the killing of a woman and her four kids.
This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja by NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.
While faulting the report he stated that said such could happen only if those alleged to have been killed were residing with the bandits in the forest.
The spokesman explained that the airstrikes were executed in Sububu forest and not close to any village; he then wondered why such allegations would emerge in the first place.
According to him, ” I feel it’s important I address this report. I just got off the phone with Alhaji Mohammad Ibrahim, the Director of Security, Ministry of Internal Security, Zamfara State who confirmed the happiness of the State Government over the precise nature of the strike by the NAF jet.
“I am also aware that the state Governor has called our Commanders on the ground to commend the NAF. A local contractor in the general area also confirmed the attack and its devastating effect on the bandits.
“Till now, the remnants of the bandits are evacuating and departing from the Sububu Forest general area.
“Now, the strike was in Sububu Forest and not anywhere close to any village. So, stories of NAF hitting any target outside the forest are false.”
He explained that he found it hard to believe the report, except if those accidentally killed were residing in the forest.
He added the Zamfara state government officials have commended the NAF team for the exercise.
Recall that it was alleged that the victim and her four kids were killed from fighter jets targeting bandits during the Zamfara airstrikes.
It was further alleged that one elderly woman was also wounded in the attacks and that a new Friday mosque built by a bandits’ kingpin, Halilu Sububu, was also destroyed during the attacks.
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