By Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame
In a demonstration of empathy, accountability, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of civilians, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has fulfilled all promises made to victims and families affected by the unfortunate airstrike at Dangebe Village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State, which occurred on 11 January 2025.
Following the incident, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, sent a Committee of senior officers on fact finding visits and subsequently undertook a condolence visit to Zamfara on 6 March 2025, where he met with survivors, bereaved families, and members of the affected community.
During the emotionally charged visit, the CAS acknowledged the pain, grief, and disruption caused by the incident and pledged several immediate and long-term measures to help ease the suffering of those affected.
Among the promises made were the provision of financial support to the families of the deceased, reconstruction of the damaged building in the village, replacement of the two destroyed motorcycles, and the construction of a borehole in nearby Kambarawa Village to provide potable water to all surrounding communities.
These efforts form part of the NAF’s broader civil-military engagement strategy, which seeks to foster trust, healing, and cooperation with host communities in conflict-affected areas.
It is heart-warming to announce that the Nigerian Air Force has kept every word of its commitment. The reconstruction of the damaged building has been completed, while 2 brand-new motorcycles have been handed over to their rightful owners.
Additionally, the promised borehole has been successfully drilled and is now serving Kambarawa Village and surrounding settlements, providing clean, accessible water to hundreds of residents. Funds have also been fully disbursed to victims and their families to aid their recovery and rebuild their lives.
In response, the affected families and community members have expressed deep gratitude to the NAF for its sincerity, compassion, and prompt fulfilment of promises. Community leaders and residents alike praised the Service for not only acknowledging the tragic incident but for taking concrete steps to bring healing and hope.
These actions are reflective of the Nigerian Air Force’s values of professionalism, responsibility, and respect for human dignity. The Service remains committed to upholding transparency and accountability in all its operations. It also reaffirms its resolve to minimise civilian harm, uphold human rights, and promote enduring civil-military relations as a strategic and moral imperative.
For the NAF, protecting the lives and property of Nigerians is not just a constitutional duty; it is a sacred trust. The Service will continue to strengthen its engagements with communities, ensure strict adherence to rules of engagement, and maintain the highest standards of professionalism in the conduct of its operations across all theatres.
Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame is the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI),
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force
