On Monday, widespread outrage swept through the nation following the unintentional bombing of Tudun Biri in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State by the Nigerian Army on Sunday, resulting in the tragic death of numerous villagers. Reports indicate that the residents were observing Maulud, an Islamic event, when the military mistakenly dropped bombs, assuming the villagers were terrorists.
The incident prompted strong 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 an official statement.
Despite the National Emergency Management Agency reporting a death toll of 85 on Monday night, Senator Shehu Sani, who initially raised the alarm, claimed that the airstrike had killed around 150 individuals. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain characterized the event as a tragic, horrific, and condemnable act, emphasizing that such bombings should target terrorists, not civilians.
Femi Fani-Kayode, an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, took to social media demanding justice for the victims, describing the incident as mass murder and genocide. Bashir Ahmed, a former media aide to President Muhammadu Buhari, expressed disbelief at how the army could mistakenly “kill 126 innocent souls” and called for transparency from the Nigerian Army in addressing the situation.
In a conversation with DAILY POST, security expert Mr. Akogwu John expressed shock at the military’s attack without proper surveys and questioned the lack of accountability. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into the identities of those responsible for the operation and raised concerns about the unclear circumstances leading to the mistaken targeting of innocent villagers.