Authorities of the Nigerian Air Force, on Tuesday said all arrangements have been made to commission a newly constructed hospital in Rukubi community, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, the site where a tragic airstrike claimed civilians’ lives in January 2023.
The Force also announced that it is ready to induct the newly procured Augusta 109S Trekker helicopter into the 011 Presidential Air Fleet on Friday, May 16 as part of activities marking its 61st anniversary where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will serve as the special guest of honour.
Daily Trust reports that over 30 herders were killed in the community by the airstrikes when returning from Makurdi, the Benue State capital, where they went to retrieve over 1,000 cows seized by the Benue Livestock Guards.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Chairman of the anniversary organising committee, Sylvester Eyoma, an Air Commodore of the force, disclosed that the project underscores the Air Force’s commitment to reconciliation and rebuilding trust with civilians.
He said, “On Thursday (tomorrow), there will be commissioning of Quick Impact Projects across NAF operations theatre. One of the projects is a clinic that has been constructed in Rukubi Community in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State, where some civilians lost their lives in January 2023, due to an unfortunate airstrike.”
Eyoma also emphasised the NAF’s transformation over the past six decades and its leading role in combating terrorism and other security threats through precision air operations, surveillance, and collaboration with other security agencies.
On Friday, 16 May 25, there will be an induction ceremony for the Augusta 109S Trekker Hel at the 011 Presidential Air Fleet. The President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of Niger, His Excellency Bola Tinubu is expected to grace the occasion as the special guest of honour.
“On the same Friday, Jumaat Prayers will be held in mosques across all NAF units,” the senior military officer said.
He further noted that over 30 air forces and at least 12 Chiefs of Air Staff from across Africa will participate in the forum, aimed at bolstering regional cooperation and promoting the adoption of advanced aerospace technologies.
“For this high-profile event, there will be a gathering of air force chiefs, defence experts, and industry leaders from across Africa and beyond to discuss advancements in air power and regional security cooperation.
“We are expecting over 2,000 participants at the conference and exhibitions that are scheduled for 22 and 23 May 25. Over 30 air forces and 12 chiefs of air staff, 45 exhibitors including major defence and aerospace players like Airbus, Embraer, Diamond Aircraft, HAVELSAN, Jet Aviation, Starlite Aviation Group, Proforce and of course our own Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria.
“At the end of the conferences and exhibitions, there will be a welcome cocktail and canapé in the evening of 22 May 25 and a farewell VIP dinner for the visiting air chiefs in the evening of 23 May 25.
“The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute in its mission to defend our nation and promote peace. Together, we can make this anniversary a memorable and impactful event.
“May I also use this medium to inform the public, especially the good people of Abuja and Lagos states, not to panic when they observe increased flying activities, particularly at low levels”.
