Nigerian President Orders Probe into Military Drone Strike That Claimed Civilian Lives

President Bola Tinubu has taken swift action following a tragic incident where a military drone strike resulted in the loss of civilian lives during a religious gathering in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna state. The strike, occurring during a celebration honouring the Prophet Muhammad, led to the untimely deaths of numerous individuals.

Expressing deep concern, President Tinubu has mandated a comprehensive investigation into what has been termed a “bombing mishap.” In a statement issued by spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale, Tinubu underscored the gravity of the situation, urging authorities to conduct a thorough inquiry.

This tragic event claimed the lives of many innocent civilians, with differing reports on the toll. While Kaduna Governor Uba Sani confirmed casualties, the National Emergency Management Agency reported 85 deceased individuals and ongoing search efforts.

However, Amnesty International’s Nigeria office highlighted a higher death toll, reaching 120 individuals, citing firsthand accounts from workers and volunteers in the affected area. The devastating strike, which resulted in the loss of children among others, has sent shockwaves through the community.

Mustapha Rufai, a resident in Igabi, recounted the heart-wrenching incident where a bomb was mistakenly dropped on the gathering, leading to the recovery of at least 50 bodies.

This tragedy adds to a string of incidents where civilian populations have been impacted by military actions. Recent years have seen multiple documented cases of civilian casualties due to errant bombings in Nigeria’s troubled regions. The escalating conflict between armed groups and government forces has led to devastating consequences, particularly affecting communities in the northwest and central regions.

While the country’s forces target hideouts of armed groups through aerial operations, these incidents underscore the critical need for precision and caution to safeguard civilian lives amidst the ongoing conflict.

President Tinubu’s call for a thorough investigation echoes the importance of upholding human rights and preserving lives, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to ensuring justice and accountability in such unfortunate events.