The Nigerian Air Force, the component of Operation Fasan Yamma has admitted that the operation carried out by the Air component of Operation Fansan Yamma had affected the Tungar Kara community in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

This was revealed during an on-the-spot assessment carried out by the Fact-Finding Team.

The leader of the Fact-Finding Team, Air Vice Marshall Edward Gabkwet, who led other members of the team to the affected community, Tungar Kara, explained that they had noted the point of impact of the bullet on the wall and ground within the community.

Gabkwet said this underscored the sincerity, transparency, and accountability of purpose, which the Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar had exhibited, and that he had been troubled since he got news of the unfortunate incident.

“At least 16 community members were reportedly killed in a Military Air raid in Tungar Kara, after a pilot mistook local self-defence forces for criminal gangs”, he said.

“Residents had mobilised from several neighbouring villages to confront gunmen who had attacked Dangebe village in Zurmi district, carting away livestock and burning homes.

“Reports say the group was returning to their villages after chasing away the bandits who attacked Dangebe when the fighter jet bombed them on reaching Tungar Kara village,” he said.

Air Vice Marshall Gabkwet also mentioned that there was the need to take responsibility for such an unfortunate incident and show empathy to the affected people in line with the international humanitarian law, as well as to build trust with the people.

He told newsmen during an interview in the affected community that the Nigerian Air Force would conduct a forensic analysis of the evidence to come up with useful information that would help the Chief of Air Staff make informed decisions about the unfortunate incident.

Zamfara: NAF admits impact of mistaken airstrikes