The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has acknowledged its role in the unintended airstrike that resulted in the deaths of 15 individuals in Dangebe Village, located in the Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on January 11, 2025.
The event took place less than three weeks following a comparable airstrike on December 25, 2024, in Sokoto State, which allegedly resulted in ten fatalities, igniting public protests and renewed demands for increased accountability in military operations.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Director of Public Relations and Information at NAF Headquarters, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said that the Service has honoured all commitments made to the victims and their families as part of its efforts to show accountability and compassion.
“In a demonstration of empathy, accountability, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of civilians, the Nigerian Air Force has fulfilled all promises made to victims and families affected by the unfortunate airstrike.” He said
Ejodame noted that the actions taken included providing financial assistance to the families of those who lost their lives, reconstructing a damaged building in the village, replacing two motorcycles that were destroyed, and installing a borehole in the nearby Kambarawa Village to supply clean drinking water to local communities.
“The reconstruction of the damaged building has been completed, two brand-new motorcycles have been handed over to their rightful owners, and the promised borehole is now serving Kambarawa Village and surrounding settlements. Additionally, funds have been fully disbursed to victims and their families”, the statement partly read.
He said that members of the affected community expressed profound appreciation for the NAF’s honesty and swift response. Additionally, he stated that the NAF remains dedicated to transparency, accountability, and reducing civilian casualties in all its operations.
He emphasised that the NAF would persist in engaging with communities, strictly adhere to rules of engagement, and maintain the highest level of professionalism in all operational theatres.
