The death toll in the bombing of civilians by the Army at Tudun Biri Village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna has risen.
No fewer than 85 villagers died in the attack. Residents of the affected communities said they were celebrating Maulud Nabbiy (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) when the bombs were dropped by the military.
Governor Uba Sani ordered investigations into the attack which took place on Sunday night, Dec. 3.
Residents told newsmen on Monday, Dec. 4, that bombs were dropped on their community by a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet but the Air Force denied involvement in the attack.
NAF, in a statement by its spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said: “The news making the rounds alleging that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft accidentally killed innocent civilians in Kaduna is false. Please be informed that the NAF has not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours.
Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the North western region of Nigeria.
“It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press with unverified and unconfirmed reports.”
Commissioner Overseeing the Ministry of Internal Security and Hone Affairs, Samuel Aruwan subsequently announced the Army was responsible for the accidental bomb attack in its routine campaign against terrorists in the area.
After the state security council meeting, Aruwan said the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Valentine Okoro explained the circumstances that led to the unfortunate attack.
Meanwhile, on Monday, Dec. 4, the Accident and Emergency section of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna, was filled with survivors of the attack who were being treated. Over 50 injured patients were being attended to there, while those with severe cases were taken to the theatre.
Majority of those injured were children and women.
A competent source from the local government who pleaded anonymity confirmed that not less than 80 persons were killed when the bomb was dropped while those injured are 53.