Army claims responsibility for killing Kaduna residents in air strikes

The Nigerian Army has claimed responsibility for dropping a bomb on Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State which left no fewer than 30 residents dead on Sunday.

The Star had reported that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) dismissed claims that its aircraft accidentally bombed some residents in Kaduna State.

The NAF said this after reports emerged that 30 villagers were killed in air strikes by the Air Force in Tudun Biri during Maulud, a joyful gathering marking the birth of Prophet Muhammad, at about 9 p.m. on Sunday.

Reacting, the NAF spokesperson, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, in a statement on Monday, said the NAF had not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours.

However, the Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement, said the Nigerian Army has claimed responsibility for the incident.

READ ALSO: NAF denies killing residents in Kaduna air strikes

Aruwan noted that the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj Gen VU Okoro, admitted that the army was on a routine mission against terrorists when the incident occurred.

The commissioner stated that search-and-rescue efforts were still ongoing, adding that those injured in the incident were receiving treatment in the hospital.

He said: “The Kaduna State Government has received briefings on Sunday night’s attack which left several citizens dead and others injured.

“In a meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, which had in attendance heads of security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, the Nigerian Army explained the circumstances which led to the unfortunate and unintended attack.

“The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major VU Okoro, explained that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists but inadvertently affected members of the community.

“The deputy governor, at the end of the closed-door meeting, conveyed the condolences of the government and people of Kaduna State to the families that lost their loved ones and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.

“As of the time of this update, search-and-rescue efforts are still ongoing, as dozens of injured victims have been evacuated to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital by the Government.”

The Star