The Nigerian Air Force on Wednesday admitted that its operation at Dangebe Village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State on January 11, 2025, was done in error.
In a statement issued by Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, the Director of Public Relations and Information, the Air Force announced compensation for families of victims killed during the air operation on the community.
Ejodame said NAF has fulfilled the promises made to the families of the victims affected by the ‘unfortunate airstrike’.
He said in the spirit of accountability, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Abubakar inaugurated a committee of senior officers on a fact-finding mission.
The committee, Ejodame said were saddled with the responsibility of visiting the affected communities, condoling with families of those who lost their loved ones and assessing the damage done by the Air Force.
He said during the course of the visit, the CAS acknowledged the pain, grief, and disruption caused the communities by the incident.
He further pledged to take immediate and long-term measures towards alleviating the pains and suffering felt by those affected.
“Among the promises made were the provision of financial support to the families of the deceased, reconstruction of the damaged building in the village, replacement of the two destroyed motorcycles, and the construction of a borehole in nearby Kambarawa Village to provide potable water to all surrounding communities.
“These efforts form part of the NAF’s broader civil-military engagement strategy, which seeks to foster trust, healing, and cooperation with host communities in conflict-affected areas,” Ejodame said.
He said the Air Force has fulfilled its promised of reconstructing the damaged building while two brand-new motorcycles have been handed over to their rightful owners.
In addition, a borehole has been drilled in the village to provide clean water to the people of Kambarawa village and its environs.
Also, funds have been disbursed to affected families to help in their recovery process and to aid in rebuilding their lives
“These actions are reflective of the Nigerian Air Force’s values of professionalism, responsibility, and respect for human dignity. The Service remains committed to upholding transparency and accountability in all its operations. It also reaffirms its resolve to minimise civilian harm, uphold human rights, and promote enduring civil-military relations as a strategic and moral imperative,” Ejodame noted.
