The Nigerian Army has taken responsibility for the recent air strike on Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, resulting in the unfortunate death of over 120 villagers on December 3, 2023. Reports revealed that a military aircraft dropped a bomb during a Maulud celebration, claiming the lives of many individuals in the area. Samuel Aruwan, the State Commissioner in charge of Internal Security and Home Affairs, recently stated that Maj. Gen. Valentine Okoro, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch, acknowledged that the occurrence took place during a routine anti-terror operation conducted by the Nigerian Army.
Aruwan released this statement following a meeting at Sir. Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna. The gathering included Deputy Governor of Kaduna, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, Islamic clerics, traditional rulers, and security agency leaders. During the meeting, the Nigerian Army provided an explanation of the unforeseen and regrettable assault. During the time, he mentioned that the continuous search-and-rescue operations were in progress, with numerous wounded individuals being transported to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital by the state authorities.
A survivor claims the community was bombed twice.
Following the conclusion of the close-door meeting, the deputy governor extended heartfelt sympathies on behalf of the government and citizens of Kaduna State to the bereaved families and offered prayers for the eternal peace of the departed souls. Present at the meeting were the State Commissioner of Police, Musa Yusuf Garba; the Director of the Department of State Services, Abdul Eneche; Prof. Shafi’u Abdullahi, the Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of Jam’atu Nasril Islam, who led a group of other religious leaders; as well as Alhaji Aminu Idris, the District Head of Rigasa, where the incident took place.
Prof. Tukur Muhammed-Baba, the National Publicity Secretary, of Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), expressed the forum’s condolences towards the state government and the grieving families, urging divine serenity for the deceased. The forum asserts that immediate action must be taken to prevent any future occurrence of such a preventable tragedy, highlighting that the Northern communities have already endured significant challenges with banditry and should not be subjected to any additional suffering. Sharing their experiences in an interview, one of the survivors recounted their harrowing encounters and revealed that the community was bombed twice.
Prompt investigation guaranteed for the incident.
During an interview, General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, extended his sympathies to the grieving families while addressing community leaders. He elaborated on the military’s ongoing efforts to eradicate suspected bandits and terrorist groups in the locality. Additionally, he assured the implementation of crucial safety measures to ensure that such unfortunate episodes are averted in the future. He reaffirmed the Nigerian army dedication to upholding its responsibility of safeguarding the lives and property of the citizens.
Also, Gen. Lagbaja said extensive assistance will be provided to both the injured individuals and the entire community. Likewise, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), guarantees prompt commencement of investigation into the unfortunate Kaduna bombing incident, while simultaneously urging citizens to persist in their unwavering support for the Nigerian military. The accidental airstrike bombing that occurred has stirred up a greater amount of criticism from both the ACF and the Jama’tu Nasril Islam, a political and cultural group representing the Northern region.
Group demanded the Nigerian Army to issue an apology.
Furthermore, ACF reacted with shock and horror to the incident. Their perspective on the matter was deeply unsettling, as they expressed their dismay that such an operation could even be planned and carried out in a densely populated area. They condemned the intelligence failure as inexcusable, scandalous, and potentially indicative of incompetence. The organization demanded the Nigerian Army to issue an apology and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the incident, aiming to uncover the precise sequence of events. It also called for severe and transparent disciplinary actions for any individuals found responsible for professional or operational incompetence.
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