By Mayen EtimK
KADUNA, North-West Nigeria – Kaduna State Peace Commission, (KSPC), has commiserated with the victims of a tactical error attackĀ by the Nigerian Army drone on citizens celebrating Eid- al-Maulud on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at Tudun Biri village of Igabi Local Government Area of the state.
It also called for calm among residents of the area and Kaduna State over the unfortunate incidence.
Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr Saleh Momale, made the appeal during a press conference in Kaduna on Tuesday, December 5.
He said the Commission on behalf of the State Government extends its deepest sympathy to the affected families, saying there were ongoing efforts by the government to provide the best medical care for the injured; adding “the Kaduna State Government will engage with the Nigerian Armed Forces to review the circumstances that led to this tactical error, initiate mechanisms for redress and to prevent similar recurš¾
He reassured the citizens of Government’s unwavering commitment in taking all necessary steps and actions to support the affected communities. “The government will continuously update the people of the State and work with the leadership of the affected communities and families in providing counseling, relief and other forms of assistance to ameliorate the pains and sufferings that arose from this tragedy.”
Dr Momale said: “It is with deep heart that we address you over the unfortunate and regrettable incidence of a tactical error where the Nigerian Army drone fired a bomb on innocent citizens celebrating Eid al-Maulud.
“As we are all aware, in recent years, villages surrounding the affected areas have been repeatedly targeted by armed groups including bandits and insurgents.
“The Nigerian Armed Forces in conjunction with other sister security agencies have worked tirelessly with the government and the communities to ensure peace and security in the general areas, which has allowed the citizens to live in relative peace.
“Notwithstanding these efforts, the villages have continuously suffered periodic bandits and insurgents attacks. It is under these difficult circumstances that the Nigerian Armed Forces often carry out periodic air interdictions on bandits and insurgents targets especially in parts of Igabi and Birnin Gwari Local Government Areas of the state.
“It is heartbreaking a d regrettable that one of these interdictions intended to target bandits and insurgents on the night of Sunday, December 3, 2023 affected a celebrating community, in which dozens of citizens including children and women lost their lives, while many others sustained life-threatening injuries. This is a tragedy that creates deep wounds in the minds of Nigerians, especially the surviving members of the victims’ families.”
He enjoined all citizens to provide necessary support and assistance to the affected communities.
He equally enjoined community and religious leaders, corporate and civil society organizations, spirited individuals and the media to support the Government in maintaining peace, law and order at all times.
“Let us collectively assist those in need at the hospitals and pray for the reposed of the souls of the departed,” he further appealed.
