IDP Bombing: Nigerian Airforce constitutes board to investigate air strike

By OKOSUN DENNIS

Worried by the negative reactions and condemnation that came with the mistaken bombing of Rann Internally Displaced Persons camp in Maiduguri by the Airforce, the force has constituted a-six-man board of senior officers to investigate the accidental air strike on 17 January 2017 at Rann, Borno State.

The 6-man investigative board is headed by the Chief of Standards and Evaluation, Headquarters Nigerian Air Force (HQ NAF), Air Vice Marshal Salihu Bala-Ribah.

Other members of the board include: Air Vice Marshal Charles Oghomwen, Air Commodore Ayoola Jolasinmi, Group Captain Essien Efanga, Wing Commander Solomon Irmiya and Wing Commander Mohammed Muazu

The board has as part of its terms of reference: determine the immediate and remote causes as well as the circumstances that led to the incident with a view to forestalling future occurrence.

In addition, 20 witnesses are expected to testify before the board. However, the Board is free to invite other persons to give evidence on oath.

The Board is expected to submit its report not later than 2 February 2017.

The mistaken bombing by the airforce fighter jet killed at least 70 people, including aid workers at the camp while scores were injured.