Death toll rises to 80 as Army fighter jet accidentally bombed Kaduna villagers
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The number of the dead has reportedly reached 80 in the accidental bombing of Tudun Biri Village in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Kaduna villagers who were said to be celebrating an Islamic event, were bombed by a Nigerian Army fighter jet that mistook them for terrorists.
According to a Nation Newspaper report, the Accident and Emergency section of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital where the survivors were being treated, has over 50 injured patients.
The newspaper quoted a source who said not less than 80 persons were killed when the bomb was dropped while those injured were 53.
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has ordered the immediate probe of the tragic incident.
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He said: “I received with shock news of the tragic incident at Tudun Biri village, Afaka ward of Rigasa District of Igabi Local Government, where Muslim faithful observing Maulud celebration were mistakenly killed and many others injured following a military drone attack targeting terrorists and bandits.
“Search and rescue operations in the area are ongoing.
“The State Government has dispatched top government officials to the area to assess the situation, reach out to the families of the victims and advice the government on the immediate actions/measures to be taken to lessen the pains of the families of the victims.
“I have ordered immediate investigation into the tragic incident. We are determined to prevent a repeat of this tragedy and reassure our people that their protection would be prioritized in the sustained fight against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
“I have also directed the immediate evacuation of the injured to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for emergency medical attention. The Government will be responsible for their treatment and related logistics.
“I appeal to the affected community, and all citizens to keep calm and continue to support the security forces and the state government in our battle against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in Kaduna State.
“I am in consultation with the security forces to ensure that such mistakes are avoided in future operations.
“On behalf of the Government and People of Kaduna State, I wish to express our heartfelt sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones. May Allah in his mercy grant all of the victims Aljannah Firdausi, and their families the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses. Our heartfelt commiserations also go to those that sustained injuries. We wish them speedy recovery.”
