“Please be informed that the NAF has not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours. Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the Northwestern region of Nigeria,” says NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet.
By Emma Ogbuehi
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has denied the reported bombing of villagers in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, which according to local sources led to the death of 30 villagers.
The incident, according to the locals occurred around 9:00 pm on Sunday when the people of Tudun Biri were celebrating Maulud Nabbiy, saying that suddenly a NAF jet dropped a bomb on them, killing not less than 30 people.
While the commissioner overseeing the Kaduna State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the government would address the media after its Security Council meeting, the Air Force has issued a statement denying its involvement in the air strike.
In denying any involvement in the bombing, NAF stated that it was not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the Northwestern region of Nigeria.
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However, the statement did not reveal the identity of the other organizations licensed to carry out such operations.
A statement signed by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said the Air Force has not carried out any air operation in Kaduna State in the last 24 hours.
The statement read: “The news making the rounds alleging that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft accidentally killed innocent civilians in Kaduna is false.
“Please be informed that the NAF has not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours.
“Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the Northwestern region of Nigeria.
“It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press with unverified and unconfirmed reports. Thank you.”