In a shocking turn of events, the Nigerian Army has taken responsibility for the tragic bombing that claimed the lives of innocent civilians during a Maulud celebration in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The harrowing incident unfolded on Sunday around 9:00 pm when a bomb, reportedly dropped by a Nigerian Air Force jet, resulted in the deaths of over 30 individuals who had gathered to commemorate the Maulud, the birth of Prophet Muhammad.
The aftermath of the calamity prompted former Kaduna-Central lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani, to urgently seek clarification from authorities, emphasizing the need for transparency.
“The translation of the post reveals that scores of people were killed yesterday by Ariel bombardment during a religious festival in a village near the Kaduna Airport. Clarification is needed CC @NigAirForce @DefenceInfoNG,” he wrote on Monday morning
A resident, describing the horrifying moment, highlighted that the bomb struck during the joyful Maulud celebration. “They were celebrating Maulud (birth of Prophet Muhammad) when the jet dropped the bomb, resulting in the immediate death of more than 30 people.”
The Commissioner of the State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, refrained from providing specific casualty figures but announced a forthcoming press conference at the Government House to address the situation. “We will address the press at Government House on the situation because there would be a security meeting later. So, let’s meet by 10 am,” he stated.
In a follow-up development, it was revealed during an emergency security meeting that the Nigerian Army took responsibility for the unintended and unfortunate bombing. Samuel Aruwan confirmed this at the end of the meeting, shedding light on the core details of the incident.
Addressing journalists after the closed-door meeting, Aruwan explained that the troops were on a routine mission against terrorists in the area, and accidentally, the operation affected members of the community. Search and rescue operations are still ongoing, and the injured have been rushed to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for treatment.
As Kaduna grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event, questions arise about the coordination of security forces and the imperative need for precision in operations to prevent unintended civilian casualties. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between security measures and the protection of innocent lives.
The community awaits further updates as investigations continue.