John Shiklam in Kaduna
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Tuesday, visited Tudun Biri community, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State to commiserate and tender unreserved apologies to the victims of the accidental bomb that claimed over 80 lives on Sunday.
The army chief also visited the injured victims at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna and donated N10 million for their treatment and upkeep.
The Nigerian Army had on Monday accepted responsibility for the accidental bombing of the villagers who were celebrating the birthday of Prophet Mohammed on Sunday night.
Speaking in an interview with journalists shortly the visit, Lagbaja said the accidental strike was carried out by Unarmed Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) platforms on the trail of bandits.
He said: “On Sunday, the 3rd of December, 2023, the Nigerian Army UAV (Unarmed Aerial Vehicle) platforms conducted armed reconnaissance around the vicinity of Riyawa and Ruma communities.
“The drones observed movement of people suspected to be bandits and having trailed them for some time, the decision was taken to strike based on the observation of some tactics usually employed by bandits.
“Unfortunately, the report we got thereafter revealed that it was innocent civilian in Tudun Biri that the drone carried out the strike on.”
The COAS explained that the visit was also aimed at determining the kind of enquiry that would be conducted by the Nigerian Army to forestall reoccurrence of such unfortunate incident.
“We also look beyond to determine the kind of operations we will be conducting going forward in the vicinity and its environs.
“We have already set up inquiry, while visit to the village has given an idea of the kind of expertise that would be employed into the committee.
“The enquiry committee will ensure an holistic view and recommendations that will be worthwhile going forward,” he said.
According to the Army Chief, “The Nigerian Army as a responsible organisation of the government would support the law abiding citizens and their families for being victims of the unfortunate incident.
He added that the Nigerian Army would also provide support to the entire community to alleviate their sufferings.
Lagbaja urged the community to always provide useful information to authorities and security operatives in order to ensure swift action against adversaries.
Also speaking, the District Head of Rigasa, Alhaji Aminu Idris, described the incident as unfortunate, saying that over 80 people of the deceased have been buried.
He also said that the area was infested by bandits, stressing that communities in the area were being terrorised by banditry.
Idris urged the Army to continue doing its best in protecting the lives and property of the citizens.
The District Head said the community is a mixture of Muslims and Christians, adding that people of both faith were affected by the incident, contrary to insinuations that only Muslims were victims.
