The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to also extend its support to victims of an accidental airstrike in Nasarawa.
On January 24, 2023, the Nigerian Air Force airstrike killed no fewer than 40 herders in the Rukubi area of Nasarawa State.
Despite indictments by Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, Reuters, and others, the Air Force declined to acknowledge that the airstrike was a mistake.
In a statement on Tuesday, the National President of MACBAN, Baba Ngelzarma, lamented that 11 months after the incident, there has been no remorse, sympathy, or compensation to victims from the Nigerian Air Force or the government. He noted with dismay the support and attention the victims of Kaduna mishit are getting while those in Nasarawa had been abandoned to their fate.
The statement partly read, “MACBAN is calling on the Federal Government to ensure justice for the 40 pastoralists killed in Rukubi, Doma Chiefdom on January 27, 2023, as a result of a drone attack by the Nigerian Air Force.
“Eleven months later, no acceptance of responsibility, no report of investigation nor any show of sympathy by either the Federal Government or any of its agencies. Those killed were bona fide peace-loving Nigerians, deserving justice like every other citizen.
“To our greatest surprise, a similar drone strike in Tudun Biri is getting the attention of not only the Federal Government but even the military accepting responsibility and pledging compensation for the victims. The leadership of the Northern Governors Forum and that of the federal legislative arm of government have, in addition to visiting the site, pledged all sorts of assistance.
“We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to extend the same gesture to the victims of Rukubi drone attack and similar incidences that took place in other states. We believe now is the time for the Federal Government to come out with a clear-cut compensation package for victims of such incidents across the nation.”