The Nigerian Air Force has backtracked on its earlier denial that its fighters had bombed the Buhari village in Yunusari local government area of Yobe state.

In a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF Headquarters, Edward Gabkwet, on Thursday in Abuja, the Force said the disclaimer was based on an earlier report.

“Following intelligence on insurgents movements along the Kamadougou Yobe River line, an aircraft from the Air Component of ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ was detailed to respond to the suspected insurgents’ activities in the area along the Nigeria/Niger border at about 0600hrs on Sept 15.

“The aircraft while operating South of Kanama observed suspicious movement consistent with the insurgents’ behaviour whenever a Jet aircraft is overhead.

“Accordingly, the pilot fired some probing shots. It is important to state that the area is well known for continuous insurgents activities.

“But unfortunately, reports reaching NAF Headquarters alleged that some civilians were erroneously killed while others were injured.”

According to the director, a board of inquiry has since been set up to investigate circumstances surrounding the incident.