Boko Haram: It Is ‘Unfortunate’ – Yobe Govt Confirms Air Force Strike On ‘Buhari Village’

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has described as unfortunate the killing of innocent citizens during an airstrike by the Nigerian Air Force on Buhari village in Yunusari LGA of the state.

Reports had emerged on Wednesday that the Air Force carried out airstrike on Boko Haram elements in the village.

It was gathered that the village identified as Buhari was reportedly used as a hideout by Boko Haram and ISWAP members.

According to the report, the terrorists had used the village as a camp from where they attack both Yunusari and Gaidam areas of the state.

But the Air Force through its Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Edward Gabkwet, denied such operation took place.

In a terse statement, he said: “The NAF last conducted a mission into Yobe State (Not Yunusari LGA) on 5 September 2021 and it was an armed recce. No bomb or missile was even expended. Thanks.”

Reacting in a statement by his spokesperson, Mamman Mohammed, Governor Buni commiserated with families of those who lost their lives in the ‘unfortunate’.

Buni promised that his government will join hands with the security agencies to unravel the root cause of the incident.

He directed his Special Adviser on Security Affairs, to liaise with the Nigeria Air Force and the Multi-National Joint Task Force, to look into the unfortunate airstrike.

He assured that government will work closely with the security forces especially the Nigeria Air Force to establish what actually happened.

Buni also assured the preparedness of his administration to work with all security forces to ensure the safety of the state.

According to the statement, the Yobe governor  directed government hospitals in Geidam and Damaturu to offer free medical services to those who sustained injuries from the airstrike.