In apparent moves to calm the rising tension occasioned by the recent accidental bombing of Kaduna community which led to loss of lives of villagers, the military has accepted error in the incident and asked Nigerians to forgive the miscalculation
By Emma Ogbuehi
In apparent moves to calm the rising tension occasioned by the recent accidental bombing of Kaduna community which led to loss of lives of villagers, the military has accepted error in the incident and asked Nigerians to forgive the miscalculation.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, who rendered the apology, pleaded with Nigerians to shun the temptation of judging the military by last Sunday’s accidental drone attack in Tudun Biri community in Kaduna State.
He said nothing should be done to demoralise the troops who are saddled with the responsibility of tackling insecurity in the country.
Musa spoke at the graduation of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 45 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos.
The appeal by the military came as the Kaduna State-based renowned Islamic Scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, said that the bombing which claimed over 120 lives was intentional.
Gumi’s position was taken further by a group of lawyers from the North which said it would be taking legal action against the federal government over the bombing, while the House of Representatives promised to monitor the probe of the incident.
“The incident wasn’t on purpose. We are meant to protect Nigerians and cannot be seen killing them.
“And so, I want to appeal to Nigerians not to use this incident to demoralise our troops because we are determined to end all forms of insecurity currently confronting our nation.
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“The incident in Kaduna is, indeed, unfortunate and regrettable. It was a mistake and not a deliberate act.”
The defence chief expressed the military’s commitment to protecting the sanctity of human lives, adding that troops would never attack law-abiding citizens.
He further appealed to Nigerians to pray and support the military and other security agencies in their bid to rid the nation of all forms of security challenges.
Musa who also spoke with newsmen, added that the military would take every measure to ensure that the mistake never occurs again.
“We pray for the repose of those that have died and those that are injured. We will make sure that they are provided for,” he said.
“The Federal Government and everyone are putting hands on the deck to ensure that we take care of the community, take care of those that have been injured and to also ensure that this doesn’t happen again.
“I want to thank all Nigerians for understanding with members of the armed forces and other security agencies.
“It was not deliberate; it was something that should not have been.
“We are going to move forward and we are using this competition to appreciate Nigerians for all their support and love for members of the armed forces and to assure them that we will continue to work very hard.
“We want to restore peace and tranquility in Nigeria and God willing, all of us together will achieve that.”
Notwithstanding, Concerned Northern Lawyers Forum yesterday expressed its decision to go to court over the bombing to obtain justice for the victims.
Its spokesman, Mr. Nafi’iu Abubakar, said it found the Nigeria Army’s claim that the incident was accidental ‘deeply troubling’.
“We firmly believe that such occurrences should have never happened in the first place, especially, during a time of joyful celebration and unity,” Abubakar said.
He added: “It is unacceptable and goes against the principles of justice and respect for human rights.
“As representatives of the legal fraternity in northern Nigeria, we stand firmly in support of the affected victims and their families.
“It is our duty to ensure that justice is served and the rights of these innocent victims are protected.”
The House of Representatives in its reaction to the drone attack said the incident “has cast a sombre mood over the hearts of all Nigerians.”
Chairman of the House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, said in a statement in Abuja yesterday that while members had taken note of the “prompt admission of responsibility by the Nigerian Army” for the air strike, it was imperative for the military to henceforth exercise caution and precision in their operations, particularly in areas with civilian populations.
“The House Committee on Defence takes this opportunity to appeal to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to prioritise the safety of civilians during operations, exercise utmost caution, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Benson said.