“Tragedy Unfolds Strikes in Kaduna: Outcry as Accidental Bombing Claims 85 Lives, Sparking Local and International Condemnation” The accidental bombing of Tudun Biri in Kaduna State by the Nigerian Army on Sunday, resulting in the tragic death of at least 85 villagers, has ignited widespread outrage. The incident occurred during the celebration of Maulud, an Islamic event, prompting condemnation from local and international communities.
In response to the crisis, Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe visited Islamic clerics to ease tensions, while Governor Uba Sani ordered a comprehensive investigation to prevent future occurrences. The Christian Association of Nigeria, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and others have joined the chorus of condemnation against the military’s recurrent erroneous bombings.
Disturbingly, The PUNCH’s findings reveal that, between September 2017 and 2023, over 425 individuals, including children and women, have lost their lives due to military accidental bombings.
Kaduna govt speaks
“Tragedy Unfolds: Nigerian Army Admits Responsibility for Tudun Biri Bombing During Maulud Celebration, Resulting in 85 Deaths”
In a shocking revelation, the state government disclosed that the Nigerian Army has claimed responsibility for the accidental bombing of Tudun Biri, which claimed the lives of at least 85 villagers during a Maulud celebration. The Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, revealed that Maj-Gen VU Okoro, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch, admitted the army’s involvement, citing a routine mission against terrorists.
This revelation came during a meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, Kaduna, where the circumstances of the unfortunate incident were explained to Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, Islamic clerics, traditional rulers, and heads of security agencies.
“Inadvertent Tragedy: Nigerian Army’s Routine Mission Accidentally Affects Tudun Biri Community, Claims Commissioner”
The commissioner revealed, “The General Officer Commanding One Division Nigerian Army, Major VU Okoro, explained that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists but inadvertently affected members of the community.” Search-and-rescue operations are still underway, with dozens of injured victims evacuated to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital by the state government.
Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe expressed condolences to the victims’ families, praying for the repose of their souls. Heads of security agencies, including Commissioner of Police MY Garba and Director of the Department of State Services Abdul Eneche, attended the meeting. Religious leaders, led by Prof. Shafi’u Abdullahi of Jam’atu Nasril Islam, and the District Head of Rigasa, Alhaji Aminu Idris, were also present at the gathering held in the wake of the incident in Rigasa.
“Denial and Conflicting Reports: Nigerian Air Force Refutes Involvement in Kaduna Village Bombing”
On Monday, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) categorically denied its involvement in the bombing of a Kaduna village. Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, stated that the service had not conducted any operations in the state and its surroundings within the last 24 hours. He clarified that armed drones were not exclusive to the Air Force in the North-West region.
Contrary to the NAF’s denial, a resident in one of the affected communities reported that Tudun Biri village was bombed during a religious ceremony, resulting in the immediate death of over 30 people. Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency contradicted the NAF’s claim, asserting that the death toll had risen to 85 in a statement on its Facebook handle on Monday evening. The conflicting reports add to the complexity of understanding the tragic incident in Kaduna.
“Official Confirmation: National Emergency Management Agency Reports Airstrike Tragedy in Tudun Biri, Kaduna”
In an official statement, the North-West Zonal Office of the National Emergency Management Agency confirmed an airstrike incident in Tudun Biri community, Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State. The incident occurred on December 3, 2023, between 9:00-10:00 pm during a Maulud celebration.
The report stated, “The North-West Zonal Office has received details from the local authorities that 85 dead bodies have so far been buried while the search is still ongoing.” The zonal office visited Barau Dikko Hospital, where 66 individuals were receiving treatment for various degrees of injuries and fractures. The casualties, including children, women, and the elderly, underscore the gravity of the situation.
Due to the prevailing tension, the zonal office could not visit the community, but ongoing consultations with religious leaders, traditional rulers, and security agencies aim to alleviate the situation. The report sheds light on the tragic consequences of the incident and the ongoing efforts to address the aftermath.
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