Maiduguri: The Army said a fighter jet had misfired and shot some humanitarian aid workers of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), the Medicines Sans Frontiers and some civilians in Kala Balge in Borno during an operation.
Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, disclosed this during a press briefing on Tuesday in Maiduguri.
“This morning, we received a report about the gathering of Boko Haram terrorists around Kala Balge area of Maiduguri.
“I coordinated and I directed that the air component of the operation should go and address the problem.
“Unfortunately, the strike was conducted but it turned out that other civilians were somewhere around the area and they were affected.
“So far, it is a little bit disturbing; death has occurred. There are casualties; there were deaths and injuries but on the actual number of casualties, we would get back to you later.
“I am yet to get the number of casualties of civilians killed, but two soldiers were also affected.
“Some humanitarian staff of Medicines Sans Frontiers and some staff of International Committee of Red Cross(ICRC) were also affected.
“We are sending helicopters to evacuate those that were critically wounded, including our wounded soldiers,” Irabor said.(NAN)
Buhari Expresses Regrets Over Borno Accidental Bombing
President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sadness and regret over the accidental bombing of a civilian community in Rann, Borno, by the Nigerian Air Force engaged in fighting Boko Haram insurgency in the area.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, in Abuja on Tuesday, the president condoled with families of the dead.
The president, who expressed sympathy to the Borno Government, also wished those wounded during the incident divine succour, leading to full recovery. He pledged the Federal Government’s help for the state government in attending to “this regrettable operational mistake”.
Buhari, who pleaded for calm, prayed God to grant repose to the souls of the dead. The Nigeria Army has said that a fighter jet misfired and shot some humanitarian aid workers of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), recording casualties.
The Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj. Gen. Lucky Irabor, said the victims were possibly aid workers and civilians.
Irabor said that the accident happened at Kala Balge Area of Borno. “So far, it is a little bit disturbing; death has occurred. There are casualties; there are deaths and injuries”, Irabor said.
“But on the actual number of casualties, we will get back to you later. I am yet to get the number of casualties of civilians killed, but two soldiers were also affected,’’ he added.
The shots reportedly hit the Medicines Sans Frontiers and some civilians. “This morning, we received a report about the gathering of Boko Haram terrorists around Kala Balge area of Maiduguri.
“I coordinated and I directed that the air component of the operation should go and address the problem. “Unfortunately, the strike was conducted but it turned out that other civilians were somewhere around the area and they were affected.’’
He said some humanitarian staff of Medicines Sans Frontiers and some staff of International Committee of Red Cross(ICRC) were also affected. “We are sending helicopters to evacuate those that were critically wounded, including our wounded soldiers,” Irabor said.
Governor Shettima Orders Emergency Medical Response
Borno State Governor, Kashim Shettima has ordered the State Ministry of Health to set up emergency units, with all State medical hospitals located in Maiduguri
This was in response to the accidental bombing of civilians at Rann, in Kala-Balge local government area of the State.
The Governor’s spokesman, Isa Gusau, said in a statement that “Governor Shettima received the news with very deep concern. He has channeled his focus on ensuring that all the victims, particularly those with severe injuries are provided urgent medical treatment.
“As at this evening, the International Committee of the Red Cross and Red Crescent has deployed a helicopter which is on ground at Rann to begin evacuation of victims, starting with those with the most critical health conditions.
“The MSF (Doctors without border) along with officials of the State Government are the first responders. Governor Shettima particularly commends the MSF for its rapid response in providing first aid treatment to victims at the scene.
“While Governor Shettima is working to ensure that all victims are evacuated as soon as possible, the State Commissioner of Health has mobilized medical doctors, nurses, lab technicians, pharmacists and other health officials in all hospitals owned by Borno State Government, while ambulances have also been deployed. The medical experts are currently on standby with emergency consumables set for treatment of victims soon as they arrive Maiduguri.
“Casualty figures are yet to be ascertained but from information available to the Governor, there are records of deaths with many persons injured. The Governor’s heart is with families of all those affected and urges citizens to pray for the repose of the souls of those dead and the speedy recovery of the injured.
“Governor Shettima looks forward to formal communication from the military to ascertain what happened and would brief the press should there be the need to do so.
“For now, all focus should be on the evacuation of victims and the provision of emergency medical services to them with the hope that they quickly recover.”
