Nasarawa State Governor A. Sule welcomes Chief of Air Staff decision to reach out to victims of Rukubi airstrike.

Governor Abdullahi Sule has welcomed the decision of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, to reach out to victims of the January 2023 airstrike mishap in Rukubi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Governor Sule, while hosting the Chief of Air Staff at the Government House on Friday, described the decision by the air force top echelon to accept responsibility for the mishap that led to the killing of 37 Fulani herders as unprecedented.

The Governor pointed out that the gesture will give the Nigerian military a human face.

According to him, though the incidence was regrettable, especially that lives of law abiding citizens were lost, the initiative by the Chief of Air Staff seeking for closure in the matter, was commendable. 

While appreciating Air Marshal Abubakar for displaying rare professionalism by owning up to the unfortunate incidence, Governor Sule assured the Chief of Air Staff that his administration would continue to support the Nigerian Air Force towards its constitutional role in protecting the lives of the people. 

He emphasized that his administration accords security topmost priority, especially that government is working hard to woo private investors into the state.

"We take security seriously in Nasarawa State. Like you rightly mentioned, I came from the private sector and we are attracting investors in the state and what investors are looking up to is the protection of their investment," he said. 

The Governor used the opportunity to appreciate the NAF, particularly the 22 Quick Response Team, for their support in tackling security issues in Lafia East, one of the troublesome spots in the state. 

"They have been marvelous. They have been fantastic. And because of their efforts we have been able, in fact we decided to leave the entire Lafia East only to the Air Force. The police and army left the area for them, and they are the ones maintaining peace in that area. Lafia East is one of the most troublesome spots, but since they came to that area, it has been calm," he added.

Commenting on his recent victory at the supreme court, Governor Sule assured the Chief of Air Staff that his administration will run an all-inclusive government irrespective of political affiliations.

"Today, even Ombugadu if he comes and said he wants to work with me, the only position that I will not give him is the position of the Governor but any other position he wants he can take. 

"But any other position that he wants to come and participate and work with us, we will be more than happy to work with him. And we have been calling to ensure that we come in and work together as a people," he assured. 

Earlier, in his opening remarks, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar, regretted that the air strike carried out by his men following intelligence regarding the movement of terrorists on motorcycles in the Rukubi general area in January last year, led to the killing of civilians at the location. 

Air Marshal Abubakar said after reviewing the report of the strike, following outcry from several locals, as well as well-meaning Nigerians, which revealed that the airstrike actually killed some civilians at the location, it has become necessary for the NAF to make amends.

"Therefore, our visit to you this morning is predicated on the foregoing and to solicit your kind intervention in interfacing with the representatives of the victims of the accidental air strike at Rukubi. 

"As you are aware, one of our core responsibilities as a service, is the protection of lives and property of all Nigerians. Therefore, the unfortunate incidence of January 2023 was in no way deliberate as no military the world over would intentionally kill those it's mandated to protect," the Chief of Air Staff said.

He explained that the airstrike became imperative after intelligence revealed sighting of suspected terrorists on motorcycles passing through an area near Rukubi, in Doma Local Government Area of the state.

"It is also not news that the general area, as of that time, has been well known for its heightened insecurity occasioned by killings, kidnappings, and terrorism as perpetrated by terrorists elements in the state. 

"Within the same period, too, you will recall that six primary school pupils were also kidnapped in the same local government area. These necessitated surveillance by the NAF for a long period of time. 

"Also, analysis from various sources by Operation Whirlstroke, a joint task force operation led by the defense headquarters that is in charge of the North Central area. 

"Analysis from that operation also reveals a clear pattern of activity, which was consistent with the tactics employed by terrorists operating within the country. Because of this, the need for an air strike became imperative," Air Marshal Abubakar stated.

The Chief of Air Staff used the opportunity to congratulate Governor Sule on his recent victory at the supreme court, urging him to be magnanimous in victory and to carry everyone along under his administration. 

"Your Excellency, as much as it's a moment of joy for you and your supporters, the need to be magnanimous in victory and look beyond politics as well as carry the entire citizens of the state along irrespective of political affiliation is paramount to the maintenance of peace and order in the state," he said.

The Chief of Air Staff thereafter, visited the palace of the Emir of Lafia, HRH Justice Sidi Bage Mohammed (rtd), where he met and condoled with those affected by the unfortunate airstrike. 

Air Marshal Abubakar was accompanied on the visit to Nasarawa State topmost officials to include the Chief of Operations and Training, Air Vice Marshal Abdukadir, Chief of Administration, Air Vice Marshal Sani, Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, Air Vice Marshal Idosa, Air Vice Marshal Effiong, Officer in Charge of the Air Force Base in Nasarawa State, Director Civil/Military Relations and Air Commodore Bassey, Commander Quick Response Group based in Owerri.