The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has appealed to the Federal Government to assist victims of an inadvertent airstrike in Nasarawa on January 24, 2023.
The Nigerian Air Force attack in the Rukubi region resulted in the unfortunate loss of at least 40 herders.
Despite condemnation from international groups such as Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and Reuters, the Nigerian Air Force refused to admit that the attack was an error.
On Tuesday, Baba Ngelzarma, the National President of MACBAN, voiced his disappointment at the lack of sorrow, sympathy, or recompense for the victims 11 months after the occurrence.
Ngelzarma bemoaned the contrast in attention paid to victims of the Nasarawa bombing and those impacted by a similar occurrence in Tudun Biri, where the military took responsibility and promised compensation.
He claimed that the Rukubi shepherds were peace-loving Nigerians who deserved justice.
“MACBAN is calling on the Federal Government to ensure justice for the 40 pastoralists killed in Rukubi, Doma Chiefdom, on January 27, 2023, as a result of a drone attack by the Nigerian Air Force.
“Eleven months later, there was no acceptance of responsibility, no report of investigation, nor any show of sympathy by either the Federal Government or any of its agencies.
“Those killed were bonafide peace-loving Nigerians, deserving justice like every other citizen.
“To our greatest surprise, a similar drone strike in Tudun Biri is getting the attention of not only the Federal Government but even the military accepting responsibility and pledging compensation for the victims.
“The leadership of the Northern Governors Forum and that of the federal legislative arm of government have, in addition to visiting the site, pledged all sorts of assistance.
“We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to extend the same gesture to the victims of the Rukubi drone attack and similar incidences that took place in other states.
“We believe now is the time for the Federal Government to come out with a clear-cut compensation package for victims of such incidents across the nation,” the statement read in part.
