Kaduna State Government has ordered an investigation into a deadly military airstrike that killed villagers observing a religious ceremony on Sunday.
The Nigerian Army, earlier on Monday, confirmed the incident, attributing it to a targeting error during an operation against terrorists.
According to the General Officer Commanding One Division of the Nigerian Army, Major VU Okoro, the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists who inadvertently affected members of the community.
In a recent press release, Governor Uba Sani said the Government has dispatched top government officials to the area to assess the situation.
The statement reads, ”l received with shock news of the tragic incident at Tudun Biri village, Afaka ward of Rigasa District of Igabi Local Government, where Muslim faithful observing Maulud celebration were mistakenly killed and many others injured following a military drone attack targeting terrorists and bandits.
“Search and rescue operations in the area are ongoing. The State Government has dispatched top government officials to the area to assess the situation, reach out to the families of the victims and advise the government on the immediate actions/measures to be taken to lessen the pains of the families of the victims.
“I have ordered immediate investigation into the tragic incident. We are determined to prevent a repeat of this tragedy and reassure our people that their protection would be prioritized in the sustained fight against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
“I have also directed the immediate evacuation of the injured to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for emergency medical attention. The Government will be responsible for their treatment and related logistics.”
The governor urged the affected community and all citizens to keep calm and continue to support the security forces and the state government in the battle against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in Kaduna State.
He also said he in consultation with the security forces to ensure that such mistakes are avoided in future operations.
