President Bola Tinubu has mandated a comprehensive investigation into a military drone strike that resulted in the deaths of at least 85 individuals, including women and children, in northern Kaduna over the weekend.
Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Nigerian army chief, visited Tundun Biri village to express regret for the air strike and pledged to cover the medical expenses of the injured at a Kaduna hospital.
This incident highlights a recurrent trend of lethal aerial attacks by the Nigerian military, following a special Reuters report in June that shed light on a series of strikes leading to civilian casualties.
Kaduna, situated 163 km (101 miles) from Abuja, is among several states in northwestern and north-central Nigeria grappling with rampant kidnappings and killings by armed gangs, prompting security forces to resort to aerial strikes.
The National Emergency Management Agency reported an official death toll of 85 with 66 wounded, although witnesses indicated a higher casualty count.
President Tinubu, presently attending the Cop28 Climate Summit in Dubai, referred to Sunday’s incident as a “bombing mishap” in a statement by his spokesperson, Ajuri Ngelale, describing it as “unfortunate, disturbing, and painful.”
Ngelale stated, “The President has directed a comprehensive investigation into the incident and urges for calm as authorities thoroughly examine the mishap.”
Army spokesman Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu clarified that troops, while conducting aerial patrols, misidentified the movement of civilians, mistakenly associating it with bandit activities, leading to the drone strike.
Lagbaja, during his visit to Tudun Biri, conveyed regret over the tragic occurrence, promising a meticulous investigation to address identified lapses and prevent future mishaps.
Residents recount a chaotic scene during a Maulud Muslim celebration-turned-tragedy, describing the harrowing experience of losing family members and aiding the injured amidst the chaos.
Despite the acknowledgment of responsibility by the Nigerian Army, District Head of Rigasa, Architect Aminu Idris, emphasised the need for the army’s intervention in assisting the victims and their families, showcasing unity among both Muslim and Christian communities affected by the incident.
Expressing concern for the victims’ welfare, Lagbaja donated provisions for their support and visited affected individuals at the Barua Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna.
