In a devastating incident, the Nigerian Army’s air strike at Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State resulted in the death of 85 individuals, making it one of the deadliest military accidents in the country.
According to Halima Suleiman, the North-West zonal spokesman for the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), an additional 66 people were injured in the bombing that occurred on Sunday.
The fatality figure was confirmed by local authorities after the victims were laid to rest on Monday, while a search is still ongoing.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the incident, responding to the army’s acknowledgment that one of its drones accidentally struck Tudun Biri village during a Muslim festival celebration.
Although the army did not provide casualty figures, residents claimed that 85 people, including women and children, lost their lives in the tragic incident.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani also ordered a complete inquiry into the event on Sunday, promising citizens that their security and protection will be prioritized in the ongoing fight against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups.
In a statement made to express condolences to the Tudun Biri community following the unfortunate occurrence, the governor stated that his administration is dedicated to preventing a repeat of the incident.
The governor directed that the injured be immediately evacuated to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for emergency medical assistance and that the Kaduna State Government would be responsible for their treatment and related logistics.
He, however, urged the affected community and other state residents to be calm and to continue to support the security forces and the state government in their fight against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups in the state.
