The Federal Government has apologised over the death of about 64 people reportedly killed in an airstrike by a Nigerian military plane on Sunday at Mutumji Community in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Those reportedly killed were armed militants while others were civilian residents of the community.
The victims, including women and children, were killed when a plane bombed the community while chasing fleeing bandits who reportedly invaded the town.
The Nigerian Air Force reportedly responded 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.
Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed described the incident as unfortunate.
“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 will regret it.
“But I think 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 Airforce regrets it, we regret it. But unfortunately once in a while it happens.”
Meanwhile, the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential campaign coordinator for Zamfara State, Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa, has expressed grief over collateral damage from military operations leading to deaths and injuries among civilians at Mutunji community.
While he acknowledged the selfless and patriotic efforts of the military in flushing out bandits in the state, he said there was need for greater operational diligence and caution to avoid mishaps with devastating consequences to innocent citizens.
In a statement, yesterday, the lawmaker called for an investigation by military authorities on the Mutunji airstrike to ensure that there was no negligence of any sort. He also called on the military toiler from the operation and be guided in future operations.
He also called on relevant state and federal government agencies to provide immediate emergency support to victims of the airstrike even as he prayed for the repose of souls of the deceased victims and quick recovery of those injured.
