A wave of shock and anger reverberated across Nigeria on Monday as news surfaced of the accidental bombing of Tudun Biri in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State by the Nigerian Army on Sunday.
This tragic incident resulted in the loss of several lives, casting a somber cloud over the nation.
The devastating event unfolded as residents were joyously celebrating Maulud, a significant Islamic occasion.
In a grievous error, the military, under the impression that the villagers were terrorists, dropped bombs on the unsuspecting crowd, turning a moment of festivity into a scene of horror.
The repercussions of this catastrophic mistake echoed far and wide, prompting condemnation from both local and international communities.
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the Army’s responsibility for the airstrike in a statement.
While the National Emergency Management Agency reported a death toll of 85, Senator Shehu Sani, who first raised the alarm, asserted that the airstrike claimed the lives of approximately 150 individuals.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain expressed his dismay, describing the incident as tragic, horrific, and condemnable, emphasizing that such bombs should be targeted at terrorists, not civilians.
Femi Fani-Kayode, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), also took to social media to demand justice for the victims.
He decried the bombing as horrendous, labeling it mass murder and genocide. The severity of the situation prompted calls for accountability and justice.
Bashir Ahmed, former media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, expressed disbelief on his social media account, questioning how the army could mistakenly “kill 126 innocent souls.”
He called for an explanation and emphasized the need for corrective measures to prevent a recurrence of such a tragic incident.
AI security expert, Mr. Akogwu John, expressed shock at the lack of proper surveys before launching the attack.
He criticized the army’s negligence, stating that those responsible for the operation should be identified, thoroughly questioned, and held accountable for the grave error.
The incident has raised fundamental questions about the military’s operational protocols, highlighting the need for transparency, accountability, and thorough investigations to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this unfortunate event, the call for justice and a reevaluation of military strategies rings loud and clear.
The lives lost in Tudun Biri serve as a stark reminder of the high price paid when mistakes occur in the execution of security operations.
