SAN FRANCISCO, January 17, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed deep sadness and regret over the accidental bombing of a civilian community in Rann, Borno State, by the Nigerian Air Force, engaged in the final phase of mopping up insurgents in the North-east.
According to a statement by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari also condoled with families of the dead and wished the wounded divine succour, leading to full recovery.
The President pledged the federal government’s help for the state government in attending to what he described as “this regrettable operational mistake.”
Meanwhile, Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima has ordered an immediate medical response to victims of the bombardment.
This was revealed by his Spokesman, Isa Gusau, in a statement emailed to journalists which stated that Shettima also directed the State Ministry of Health to set up an emergency unit in all Borno State owned hospitals in readiness for the arrival of the victims which will be flown to Maiduguri for quick medical care.
“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 those with the most critical health conditions,” the statement read
“The MSF (Doctors without border) along with officials of the State Government have been first responders.
“Governor Shettima particularly commends the MSF for its rapid response in providing first aide treatment to victims at the scene.
“While the 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.”
