INSTANT NEWS

Protesters surged onto the premises of the National Assembly in Abuja on Wednesday, responding to the Sunday bombing of a village in Kaduna State. Occupying the entrance gate for over two hours, the demonstrators called for justice for the victims and issued a challenge to the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, urging him to fulfill his responsibilities or step down.

An air strike intended to target terrorists inadvertently struck civilians during a religious celebration in Tudun Biri on Sunday night. Amnesty International officials, upon visiting the affected villages, confirmed an increase in the death toll, which now stands at 120.

Addressing the media, Nasir Ishaku, the leader of the protesters representing the National Youth Council of Nigeria, North West Zone, and Arewa Youth Movement, demanded justice for the victims. He expressed concern over the escalating security situation in Nigeria, particularly in the Northern region, and criticized the perceived incompetence of Minister Badaru, calling for his resignation. Ishaku highlighted the ongoing challenges, including the loss of armed forces members, the captivity of university students, and the overall deterioration of security in the country.

In response to the recent miscalculated airstrike in Ligarma village of Kaduna State, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) expressed regret for the unintended harm caused to innocent civilians. Major General Edward Buba, the director of defence information, acknowledged the unfortunate incident and clarified that terrorists often adopt the strategy of blending in with rural communities to evade military attacks, disguising themselves as civilians in the process.

Major General Buba explained that the military observed a gathering of terrorists in Ligarma, a known terrorist-infested area of Kaduna State, through aerial surveillance. The terrorists' movement posed a threat to key infrastructure, prompting the military to neutralize the threat. Unfortunately, collateral damages occurred during the operation.

The director emphasized that terrorists deliberately embed themselves within civilian populations, making it challenging for the military to distinguish between civilians and combatants. Despite such challenges, the Nigerian military is committed to minimizing civilian casualties and follows international law in its operations.

To further address the situation, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, visited and commiserated with the victims in the Tudun Biri community. The COAS tendered an unreserved apology for the accidental strike and donated N10 million to support the over 50 injured survivors. During the visit, the COAS explained that the strike was carried out by Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) targeting suspected bandits in the Riyawa and Ruma vicinity. He expressed the army's commitment to conducting a thorough inquiry to prevent such incidents in the future, ensuring the well-being of affected communities.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, northern governors, and other prominent Nigerians are urging a thorough investigation into the drone attack on a Kaduna village on Sunday. Tinubu, expressing condolences and grief over the tragic incident, has ordered an immediate inquiry, emphasizing the need for calm while authorities investigate the mishap. The National Emergency Agency has confirmed at least 85 casualties from the drone attack, and the president has directed comprehensive medical attention for survivors while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

In addition to Tinubu's call for an investigation, the Chairman of Northern States Governors’ Forum, Inuwa Yahaya, expressed deep sorrow over the accidental bombing, emphasizing the importance of executing the fight against banditry and terrorism with the highest level of professionalism to prevent such heart-wrenching accidents. He called for a thorough investigation into the incident and assured support for the affected families and the community.

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) and Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) have also condemned the "horrific armed drone attack" on a religious gathering, calling for a full investigation, compensation for victims, and transparency. ACF expressed concern about the operation in a densely populated area, emphasizing the need for a transparent investigation and full compensation for the victims.

JNI, in utter disbelief about the military's actions, called for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event. Both ACF and JNI implored Allah’s mercy upon the departed souls and prayed for the peaceful repose of the victims.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar expressed grief over the incident, highlighting the increasing concern about miscalculated airstrikes during internal security operations. He called for counter-insurgency strategies to protect civilians from such tragic incidents and urged a thorough investigation to prevent future occurrences.

Senator Sunday Marshall Katung, representing Kaduna South Senatorial District, pledged to ensure that victims of the mishap are not abandoned to fate and expressed condolences to the people of Kaduna State and the affected community.