By Olayemi Esan
The Nigerian Air Force has debunked reports that its air bombardments against bandits at Sububu in Zamfara State led to the killing of a woman and her four kids.
NAF’s Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, while faulting the report said such could happen only if those alleged to have 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 will emerge in the first place.
"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 NAF jet.
"I am also aware that the state Governor has called our Commanders on 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 stated.
He explained that he found it hard to believe the report, except if those accidentally killed were residing in the forest.
A news item titled, not AbujaCityJournal, had alleged that the victim and her 4 kids were killed from fighter jets targeting bandits during the Zamfara airstrikes.
The news 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.
Meanwhile, the NAF mouthpiece said the Zamfara state government officials have commended the NAF team for the exercise.
