Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN) has urged the Federal Government to establish a comprehensive compensation package for victims affected by drone attacks across the country.
In a statement released on Wednesday in Abuja, the National President of MACBAN, Baba Othman-Ngelzarma, implored the government to take proactive measures to compensate those affected by the tragic incidents.
Othman-Ngelzarma specifically called for justice for pastoralists reportedly killed in Rukubi, Doma Chiefdom, Nasarawa State, on January 27, 2023, allegedly due to a drone attack by the Nigerian Air Force.
“The victims were offloading their livestock, which had been retrieved from the Benue livestock guard after paying a fine of N29 million,” he explained.
Highlighting the innocence of the victims, he noted that they were law-abiding Nigerians, deserving fair treatment and justice like any other citizen. The incident was witnessed by officials from Nasarawa State, traditional leaders, and numerous sympathisers during their public burial.
Expressing concern, Othman-Ngelzarma noted the differential treatment of similar incidents, citing the Tudun Biri drone strike that received substantial attention and promises of compensation from both the Federal Government and the military.
He added, “The leadership of the Northern Governors forum and that of the federal legislative arm of Government have, in addition to visiting the site, pledged all sorts of assistance.
“We, therefore, call on the Federal Government to extend the same gesture to the victims of Rukubi drone attack and similar incidents that took place in other states.”
“We believe now is the time for the Federal Government to come out with a clear-cut compensation package for victims of such incidents across the nation.”
He said the necessity for the Federal Government to establish a clear and definitive compensation scheme for victims affected by such incidents nationwide.
MACBAN’s call for comprehensive compensation aims to ensure fairness, justice, and equitable treatment for victims of drone attacks across Nigeria.
