From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The Federal Government has apologized over the death of about 64 people reportedly killed in an airstrike by a Nigerian military plane on Sunday at Mutumji Community in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.
Those reportedly killed were armed militants while others were civilian residents of the community.
The victims, including women and children, were killed when a plane bombed the community while chasing fleeing bandits who reportedly invaded the town.
The Nigerian Air Force reportedly responded to distress calls on Saturday and Sunday from locals following armed bandits’ attack on Malele, Ruwan Tofa, and Yan-Awake communities in the area.
Residents said the attack on the three neighbouring communities was adequately foiled by the air raids which forced the rampaging gunmen to flee into the neighbouring Mutumji community for safety.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed described the incident as unfortunate.
He said: “In respect of the unfortunate collateral deaths in Zamfara state, I think the federal government regrets this. Fighting insurgency is a very difficult thing. And as much as the air force or the military are careful, once in a while, it does happen. That innocent people actually also suffer. We will regret it.
“But I think is the nature of fighting insurgency and the military are very, very careful, especially the Air Force and the army when trying to contain insurgency not to, allow innocent lives to be killed. The airforce regrets it, we regret it. But unfortunately once in a while it happens.”