A NAF fighter jet had accidentally fired shots at an internally displaced persons, IDPs camp at Rann, Borno state, killing at least 52 people (including humanitarian workers) and injuring several others.
He also sent the government and his personal condolences to the families of those who died in the unfortunate bombing and prayed for quick recovery for the injured.
The Minister, who recently led some BBOG members and journalists to Yola, Adamawa State, where the Air Component of the fight against Boko Haram is based and Sambisa Forest, said he was saddened because the accidental bombing was not a true reflection of the level of professionalism that he witnessed during the visit
According to him, “One of the things we went away with after spending some two days at the Tactical Air Command in Yola is the strict adherence to operational guidelines and the high level of professionalism of the officers and men, especially the young pilots who fly high-risk missions day and night.”
“Among others, we witnessed pre- and post-mission briefings for the pilots, the high attention paid to details, especially concerning emergencies and weather, and the evacuation plan in case of accidents.”
“We heard that on several occasions during their sorties, fighter pilots have had to hold their fire after observing the movement of women and children in Sambisa.”
“We also witnessed the same careful disposition when we flew to Sambisa with the pilots.”
”It therefore came to me as a rude shock to learn, a few hours after leaving Yola, that one of the fighter jets has accidentally bombed civilians, including aid workers.”
Mohammed advised the air force to continue taking the necessary measures to avoid civilian casualties, as it carries out its challenging task of keeping Nigerians safe.
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