Air Force donates ₦23m to victims of Yobe airstrike

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has donated ₦23 million to victims of the September 14 airstrike in Buhari community, Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State, which left eight people dead and 30 others injured.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hassan Bala Abubakar, said the unfortunate incident occurred while NAF jets were targeting members of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Represented by the Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Air Commodore Umar U. Idris, Abubakar expressed deep regret over the accidental strike and extended condolences to the affected families.

He announced that ₦1 million was given to each of the eight bereaved families, while ₦500,000 was presented to each of the 30 injured victims.

The Air Chief also disclosed that NAF had launched quick-impact projects in Buhari community, including a solar-powered borehole to ensure access to clean water, with more livelihood support projects underway.

Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, represented by his Special Adviser on Security Matters, Brigadier General Abdulsalam Dahiru (rtd), commended the NAF for the compensation and described the airstrike as a tragic mistake that occurred during a counterterrorism operation targeting Boko Haram fighters.

He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to supporting security agencies in restoring peace and ensuring the welfare of affected residents.