Iliyasu Abdullahi Bah
In a long-awaited gesture of reconciliation, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has provided compensation to victims of the September 2021 accidental airstrike in Garin Buhari Village, Yunusari Local Government Area, Yobe State, combining direct cash payments with the provision of a solar-powered borehole for the community.
The 2021 incident, which occurred during an operation targeting insurgent positions, mistakenly struck the village, resulting in eight fatalities and leaving thirty others injured. The compensation, delivered over the weekend, represents a formal effort to acknowledge the tragedy and support affected families.
Air Commodore Ecomo U. U. Idris, Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, presented the donations in Damaturu on behalf of the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar. He reiterated that the incident was unintentional and expressed deep regret on behalf of the NAF.
“This incident was not intentional. It was a mistake that occurred during a critical air operation targeting an insurgent enclave within the area,” Air Commodore Idris stated. He emphasized that the compensation package, approved at the highest levels of the NAF, was a tangible gesture aimed at mitigating the suffering of the affected families.
The package includes direct financial support to survivors and families of the deceased, intended to cover medical expenses, provide economic relief, and offer material assistance to those most affected.
In addition to cash assistance, the NAF commissioned a solar-powered borehole for the village, providing a reliable source of clean drinking water. This infrastructure project is expected to improve public health, reduce daily hardships, particularly for women and children, and serve as a lasting resource for the community.
For the residents of Garin Buhari, the compensation marks a bittersweet milestone. While the tragedy remains a painful memory, the gestures signify an important acknowledgment of their suffering and a step toward rebuilding trust between the community and the military. The borehole, in particular, stands as a constructive legacy, offering essential resources for daily life and contributing to the long-term well-being of the village.