The Federal Government has been asked by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) to provide assistance to the victims of an unintentional airstrike that took place in Nasarawa on January 24, 2023.
At least forty herders tragically lost their lives as a result of the Nigerian Air Force’s attack in the Rukubi area.
International groups like Reuters, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch denounced the airstrike, but the Nigerian Air Force refused to admit that it was an error of judgment.
On Tuesday, 11 months after the tragedy, Baba Ngelzarma, the National President of MACBAN, expressed his dismay at the lack of regret, sympathy, or payment to the victims.
Ngelzarma bemoaned the lack of focus on the victims of the strike on Nasarawa compared to those impacted by a similar occurrence in Tudun Biri, where the military acknowledged responsibility and promised compensation.
He said those Nigerians who loved peace and demanded justice were the shepherds slaughtered in Rukubi.
In Rukubi, Doma Chiefdom, on January 27, 2023, a drone attack by the Nigerian Air Force killed 40 pastoralists. Macban is pleading with the Federal Government to ensure justice for their families.
After eleven months, neither the Federal Government nor any of its agencies have offered an apology, released an investigation report, or expressed sympathy.
The deceased were law-abiding, sincere Nigerians who deserved justice just like all other citizens.
To our utter amazement, the Federal Government and the military are taking notice of a similar drone strike in Tudun Biri, acknowledging culpability and offering recompense for the victims.
“In addition to visiting the site, the federal legislative branch of government and the leadership of the Northern Governors Forum have committed to providing various forms of support.
Therefore, we demand that the victims of the Rukubi drone attack and other incidents of a similar nature that occurred in other states receive the same assistance from the federal government.
Part of the statement said, “We believe that this is the right time for the Federal Government to come out with a clear-cut compensation package for victims of such incidents across the nation.”