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.
NEMA reported, “The Northwest Zonal Office has received details from the local authorities that 85 dead bodies have so far been buried 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.
Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale conveyed Tinubu’s deep concern, stating, “President Tinubu describes the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful, expressing indignation and grief over the tragic loss of Nigerian lives.”
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has also initiated a full investigation, emphasizing the government’s commitment to prioritize the security and protection of its citizens in the ongoing fight against terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements. Governor Sani extended condolences to the Tudun Biri community and ensured immediate evacuation of the injured to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for necessary medical attention, with the state government covering treatment and related logistics.
While urging calm, Governor Sani called for continued support from the affected community and all citizens in the state for the security forces and the government in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other criminal elements.
The incident highlights the frequent use of air strikes by Nigeria’s armed forces in their efforts against bandit militias, particularly in the northwest and northeast regions, where a prolonged battle against jihadists has been ongoing for over a decade.