The Federal Government on Wednesday apologized for the killing of 64 people in an airstrike by a Nigerian military plane on Sunday at Mutumji Community in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed described the incident as unfortunate lamenting that the fight against terrorism is a tough one.
The minister explained that while the Air Force and the Army are careful in prosecuting the campaign against the insurgency, such unfortunate collateral damage occur.
The casualties of the air attack comprised armed militants and civilian residents of the community including women and children.
The people were killed when a Nigerian Air plane dropped bombs on the community while strafing fleeing bandits who invaded the town.
The NAF fighter jet was on a response interdiction mission to distress calls on Saturday and Sunday from locals following armed bandits’ attack on Malele, Ruwan Tofa, and Yan-Awake communities in the area.
Residents said the attack on the three neighbouring communities was adequately foiled by the air raids which forced the rampaging gunmen to flee into the neighbouring Mutumji community for safety.
Mohammed said, “In respect of the unfortunate collateral deaths in Zamfara state, I think the federal government regrets this. Fighting insurgency is a very difficult thing. And as much as the Air Force or the military are careful, once in a while, it does happen. That innocent people actually also suffer. We regret it.
“But I think, it is the nature of fighting insurgency and the military are very, very careful, especially the Air Force and the Army when trying to contain insurgency not to, allow innocent lives to be killed. The Air Force regrets it, we regret it. But unfortunately once in a while it happens.”
