Airforce Provides Free Medical Services to IDPs in Sokoto

The Nigerian Airforce is conducting a medical outreach in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State where over 10,000 people were displaced by bandits.

Flagging off the three-day programme at the General Hospital, Sabon Birni, Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal described it as timely in view of the recent security situation in the area.

Tambuwal, who thanked the Nigerian Airforce for the gesture, urged the people of the area to avail themselves of the opportunity.

In his remarks, the Commander of 119 Composite Group, Group Captain Garba Bello, said the exercise was directed by the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sadiq Abubakar and was meant to win the hearts and minds of the people in view of the ongoing military operations in the area.

“We want the people to understand that we are here for them. We are here to restore peace in the area,” he said

The Director, Medical Health of the Nigerian Airforce, Group Captain Ali Tanko, said the outreach was targeting those displaced by bandits and other residents of Sabon Birni.

According to him, people dislodged might likely develop some health problems.

He added that people with eye and dental problems as well as those suffering from diabetes and hypertension would be treated free of charge.

He noted that they would carry out deworming exercise in addition to treating other common sicknesses.

The District Head of Sabon Birni, Alhaji Isa Muhammadu Bawa, thanked the airmen for the gesture and their efforts to restore peace in the area.