The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) is urging the Federal Government to provide assistance to victims of an accidental airstrike that occurred in Nasarawa State.
On January 24, 2023, a Nigerian Air Force airstrike tragically claimed the lives of at least 40 herders in the Rukubi area of Nasarawa State. Despite condemnations from organizations such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Reuters, the Air Force has yet to acknowledge the airstrike as a mistake.
Expressing concern, MACBAN’s National President, Baba Ngelzarma, stated that even after 11 months, there has been no acknowledgment of responsibility, investigation reports, or expressions of sympathy or compensation for the victims from either the Nigerian Air Force or the government.
Ngelzarma highlighted the disparity in attention between the victims of the Kaduna mishap and those in Nasarawa, asserting that the latter had been left without remorse or support.
The MACBAN statement issued on Tuesday reads, “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.”