Atiku said the incidence of miscalculated airstrikes by the Nigerian military during internal security operations was assuming a worrisome dimension.
By Emma Ogbuehi
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has weighed into the recent tragedy in Kaduna in which the Army mistakenly bombed a civilian community, stressing that the incidence of miscalculated airstrikes by the Nigerian military during internal security operations was assuming a worrisome dimension.
Instead, he suggested development of counter-insurgency strategies that will insulate the civilian population from tragic incidents.
Atiku, who made the remarks in his verified X handle (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday while reacting to the unintended bomb attacks on a religious gathering in Tudun Biri village of Igabi local government area of Kaduna State on Sunday night, said he was grieved by the news of the sad incident, in which scores of villagers, including children and women, were killed and many others injured.
READ ALSO:
Four children missing after leaving home for school in tricycle taxi
He called for a thorough investigation into the tragedy in order to avert future occurrences.
He wrote: “I am grieved by the news of the drone airstrike that killed dozens of people and left scores of others with various degrees of injury in the Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Ironically, the victims of this unfortunate incident were celebrating the Maulud anniversary.
“The incidence of miscalculated air strikes is assuming a worrisome dimension in the country.
“We need to develop counterinsurgency strategies that will insulate the civilian population from tragic incidents of this nature.
“I call on the authorities to launch a thorough investigation into this tragedy to avert future occurrences.
“Meanwhile, no resource should be spared in medical attention to the injured and assistance to the families of the dead. I pray that the Almighty Allah comforts the bereaved families and grants the dead eternal peace. -AA.”
Atiku’s observations came on the heels demands by Northern Elders Forum (NEF) on President Bola Tinubu to probe the ‘accidental’ bombing which led to the killing of several innocent persons and wounded others.
The NEF position was made known on Tuesday in a statement issued by its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Mallam Abdul-Azeez Suleiman.
According to the forum, the unfortunate bombing is a serious worry for the safety and well-being of people in war zones in the country.