The Nigerian Army has officially claimed responsibility for the air strike that resulted in numerous casualties in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna State. The incident occurred on Sunday night during the Maulud celebration, causing significant harm to the unsuspecting villagers.
The confirmation came from Samuel Aruwan, the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, following an emergency security meeting on Monday.
Aruwan revealed that the bombing, carried out by an unmanned aerial vehicle, was unintended and unfortunate. The military operation, originally targeting terrorists in the area, inadvertently impacted the civilian population.
During a closed-door security meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, attended by heads of security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, and representatives of Tudun Biri community, core details about the incident were unveiled.
Search and rescue operations are currently underway, and the injured have been swiftly transported to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for medical treatment. The exact number of casualties remains unknown at this time.
However, in a conflicting statement, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has denied any involvement in the tragic incident.
Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the NAF spokesman, clarified that NAF did not conduct any air operation in Kaduna within the last 24 hours. Commodore Gabkwet emphasized that NAF is not the sole service operating combat armed drones in the region.
Tragedy Strikes Kaduna: Multiple Casualties in Alleged Nigerian Air Force Air Strike
THE NAF HAS NOT UNDERTAKEN ANY AIR OPERATIONS IN KADUNA STATE IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
The news making the rounds alleging that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft accidentally killed innocent civilians in Kaduna is false. Please be informed that the NAF has not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours. Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the North western region of Nigeria.
It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press with unverified and unconfirmed reports.
Thank you.