By Ademola Mariam Adekemi (SIWES Student, OGITECH)
A military jet, allegedly responsible for a fatal bombing in Tudun Biri, Igabi LGA of Kaduna State, prompted the Nigerian Army to admit fault in the incident that claimed the lives of at least 30 villagers, as reported by The PUNCH.
The acknowledgment came during a meeting at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House, where Major Gen VU Okoro, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, accepted responsibility for the unintended attack.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. on Sunday, initially leading the Nigerian Air Force to deny involvement, as stated by Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information.
However, later developments revealed the Army’s admission that the routine mission against terrorists inadvertently impacted the local community.
During a closed-door meeting attended by Islamic clerics, traditional rulers, and security heads, Major VU Okoro expressed regret for the unintended consequences of the operation. The Army issued an apology for any loss of life or injuries to innocent civilians and assured the public of its commitment to the safety of law-abiding citizens.
“In response to the tragedy, the Kaduna State Government, represented by Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe, expressed condolences to the victims’ families, emphasized ongoing search-and-rescue efforts, and pledged support to the affected individuals. The meeting, chaired by Balarabe and attended by security agency heads, religious, and traditional leaders, aimed to address the ‘unfortunate and unintended’ attack, underlining the government’s commitment to safeguarding citizens’ lives.”
The incident led to the evacuation of dozens of injured victims to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital by the state government. The closed-door meeting also involved key figures such as the state’s Commissioner of Police, MY Garba, Director of the Department of State Services, Abdul Eneche, Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of Jam’atu Nasril Islam, Prof. Shafi’u Abdullahi, and the District Head of Rigasa, Alhaji Aminu Idris.
