The Kaduna State government has announced that the Nigerian Army has taken responsibility for the tragic air strike that resulted in the death of several residents in Tudun Birni community, Igabi Local Government Area of the state.
According to the state government, the army acknowledged that the air strike, which claimed numerous lives, was a mistake.
The incident occurred on Sunday when an air strike targeted Tudun Birni, leading to a significant number of casualties.
Reports suggest a death toll of over 30 individuals, with many more sustaining injuries. Initial speculation pointed towards the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) as the perpetrator; however, the NAF promptly refuted these claims, emphasizing that it had not conducted any air operations in the region during the specified period.
Samuel Aruwan, the overseeing commissioner for the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna, disclosed that the army admitted the unintentional attack during a routine mission against terrorists.
The revelation came after an emergency security meeting presided over by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe. The meeting included heads of security agencies, religious leaders, and traditional leaders.
“The Kaduna State Government has received briefings on Sunday night’s attack which left several citizens dead and others injured,” Aruwan said.
“The Nigerian Army explained the circumstances which led to the unfortunate and unintended attack.
“The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 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.
“The Deputy Governor at the end of the closed door meeting, conveyed the condolences of the Government and People of Kaduna State to the families that lost their loved ones, and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.
“As of the time of this update, search-and-rescue efforts are still ongoing, as dozens of injured victims have been evacuated to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital by the Government.
“Heads of security agencies who attended the meeting include the Commissioner of Police, MY Garba, and Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Abdul Eneche.
“The Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of Jam’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Professor Shafi’u Abdullahi, led other religious leaders.
“Also present at meeting was the District Head of Rigasa, Alhaji Aminu Idris, in whose domain the incident occurred.”
