16th September, 2021
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has finally admitted carrying out military operations in Buhari village in Yunusari Local Government area of Yobe State on Wednesday.
NAF had earlier denied any operation in the area, stating that the last conducted mission in Yobe State (not Yunusari LGA) was on September 5, 2021.
NAF added that the reports on the bombing of the village were entirely false.
However, the agency made a U-turn on Thursday.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said an operation took place in the area and shots were fired.
The statement by Gabkwet said: “Following intelligence on insurgents movements along the Kamadougou Yobe River line, an aircraft from the Air Component of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ was detailed to respond to the suspected insurgents’ activities in the area along the Nigeria/Niger border at about 0600hrs on Sept 15.
“The aircraft while operating South of Kanama observed suspicious movement consistent with the insurgents’ behavior whenever a Jet aircraft is overhead.
“Accordingly, the pilot fired some probing shots. It is important to state that the area is well known for continuous insurgents activities.
“But unfortunately, reports reaching NAF Headquarters alleged that some civilians were erroneously killed while others were injured.”
Gabkwet added that the initial release denying the involvement of NAF aircraft was based on the first report available to the Air Component which was subsequently forwarded to NAF headquarters.
He added that the report stated that civilians were bombed as the aircraft detailed for the mission was not carrying bombs.
Gabkwet explained that based on the report, a Board of Inquiry had since been set up to thoroughly investigate the circumstances of the incident.
Meanwhile, Gov. Mai Mala-Buni of Yobe has directed government hospitals in Geidam and Damaturu to offer free medical services to those who sustained injuries in the disaster.
Buni also directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to provide relief materials to victims.