In a fervent plea for justice and equity, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has called upon the Federal Government to establish a comprehensive compensation package for all victims of drone attacks across the country. The National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, articulated this appeal in a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, emphasizing the imperative need for clarity and fairness in addressing the aftermath of drone strikes.
Othman-Ngelzarma urged the military to exercise caution in fulfilling its constitutional duties of protecting the nation and preserving its unity. In particular, he brought attention to the need for justice in the case of pastoralists allegedly killed in Rukubi, Doma Chiefdom, Nasarawa State, on January 27, 2023, as a result of a drone attack attributed to the Nigerian Air Force.
According to the MACBAN National President, the victims were engaged in offloading their livestock, which had been retrieved from the Benue Livestock Guard after paying a substantial fine of ₦29 million. To emphasize the innocence of the victims, Othman-Ngelzarma highlighted that they were publicly buried in the presence of Nasarawa State officials, royal figures, and numerous sympathizers.
“These victims were bona fide, peace-loving Nigerians, deserving justice like every other citizen,” lamented Othman-Ngelzarma, emphasizing the urgency for the Federal Government to address this particular incident and similar ones that have occurred in various states.
Expressing concern, he pointed out the disparate attention given to a drone strike in Tudun Biri, where not only the Federal Government but also the military accepted responsibility and pledged compensation for the victims. The MACBAN leader underscored the actions of the Northern Governors Forum and the federal legislative arm of the government, which not only visited the site but also pledged various forms 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,” implored Othman-Ngelzarma. He stressed that now is the opportune moment for the Federal Government to delineate a clear-cut compensation package for victims of such incidents nationwide.
The call from MACBAN underscores the broader issue of accountability, transparency, and fairness in addressing the collateral damage resulting from military operations, especially drone strikes. As technology plays an increasingly pivotal role in national security, ensuring that the rights and well-being of innocent citizens are upheld becomes paramount.
The MACBAN’s demand amplifies the voices of those affected by the often devastating consequences of drone attacks and seeks to ensure that the government’s response is consistent, fair, and just. The outcome of this plea will not only impact the victims in Rukubi but will set a precedent for how the government addresses similar incidents in the future, promoting accountability and fostering a sense of justice among all citizens.
