Kano Islamic Forum Condemns Drone Strike, Demands Full Compensation

Ahmad Sorondinki in Kano.

A Coalition of Kano Islamic Scholars has condemned last Sunday’s drone strike on villagers who were celebrating Maulud in Tudun Biri village Kaduna State, and demanded full compensation from the Federal Government for the victims’ families.

Speaking on behalf of the Forum at Press Center on Wednesday in Kano, Mallam Abubakar Rabo, called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to conduct a transparent investigation that would be acceptable to Nigerians.

The group called for the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the circumstances behind the attack that should include experts on drones and representatives from all affected sections.

It explained that, “it is not acceptable that such a mass killing would be declared as a mistake without any prior investigation to the killing in Kaduna state. It is too early to claim that it was a mistake. We see it as a deliberate attack on innocent Muslim worshipers by some vested interests within the army.

“We indeed appreciate the military and their efforts towards providing security but there are some elements within the military with some negative interests that must be fished out.

“Secondly we seek compensation for the victims of the killings as prescribed by Islamic tenets because they are Muslims. Those who are injured should receive full treatment.

“Thirdly there should be an apology to Nigerians, the people of Kaduna and indeed the families of the victims expressing regrets and assurance that such will never repeat itself. This should be published in national media because it is not the first time Muslims are murdered for no reason as it happened in Benue and Maiduguri recently.

“We want those concerned to fish out those who are guilty of the mass killings so that they face the wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to those who plan to do much in the future.”

The group of clerics from all the Islamic groups in the state that include, including Izala, Kadiriyya, Tijjaniyya, Shi’a, and others are seeking justice for the victims of the Kaduna killings.