In a heartbreaking incident, 85 individuals who fell victim to a mistaken bombing by the Nigerian Army in Tudun Biri, Kaduna, were laid to rest in a mass burial.
The tragic event occurred on Sunday, prompting ongoing search-and-rescue efforts in the affected village.
During a condolence visit on Tuesday, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Army Staff, expressed deep sympathy to the grieving families and personally apologized to the community.
The Kaduna State Government confirmed that the Nigerian Army took responsibility for the accidental bomb drop in Igabi Local Government Area.
Accompanied by high-ranking officers, Lagbaja met with local leaders, including Dangaladima Zazau and the District Head of Rigasa, Aminu Idris.
Quest Times further reports that in an emotional address, Lagbaja regretfully described the incident as disheartening, explaining that the troops misinterpreted the activities of a group during aerial patrols, leading to the tragic drone strike.
Promising a thorough inquiry, Lagbaja acknowledged the past security challenges in the area and assured the community and the entire Kaduna State of the Army’s commitment to identifying and rectifying lapses.
The Chief of Army Staff donated N10 million to survivors receiving treatment at Barau Dikko Specialists Hospital, as a gesture of goodwill.