Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has ordered a comprehensive investigation into a military drone attack over the weekend that resulted in the deaths of at least 85 people, including women and children, in the northern Kaduna region. The incident, described as a “bombing mishap,” has prompted concerns and calls for a thorough examination into the circumstances surrounding the deadly air strike.
Key Points:
- Fatal Drone Attack in Kaduna:
- A military drone attack in Tundun Biri village in northern Kaduna resulted in the tragic deaths of at least 85 individuals, with numerous others injured. The attack, described as a “bombing mishap,” occurred on Sunday night.
- Apology from Army Chief:
- Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the chief of the Nigerian army, visited Tundun Biri village to apologize for the air strike. He acknowledged the severity of the incident and pledged to cover the medical bills for those injured in the attack.
- Pattern of Deadly Aerial Assaults:
- The drone attack in Kaduna highlights a recurring pattern of deadly aerial assaults by the Nigerian military. This incident follows a special Reuters report in June that focused on a series of attacks resulting in civilian casualties.
- Security Forces Targeting Armed Gangs:
- Kaduna, situated 163 km from the capital Abuja, is among the regions facing security challenges, including kidnappings and killings by armed gangs. Security forces have been conducting aerial strikes to combat these criminal elements.
- Official Death Toll and Presidential Directive:
- The National Emergency Management Agency officially reported 85 fatalities and 66 injuries from the drone attack. President Tinubu, attending the Cop28 Climate Summit in Dubai, referred to the incident as “very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful” and directed a thorough investigation into the mishap.
- Call for Calm:
- President Tinubu’s spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale, stated that the President called for calm as authorities conduct a diligent investigation into the incident. The focus is on understanding the circumstances surrounding the drone attack and addressing the concerns raised.
Conclusion: The drone attack in Kaduna has sparked a significant response from President Bola Tinubu, leading to a call for a thorough investigation into the tragic incident. The directive to probe the “bombing mishap” reflects the government’s commitment to understanding and addressing the circumstances surrounding deadly aerial assaults. As the investigation unfolds, there will be a keen focus on ensuring accountability, providing support to the affected families, and preventing similar incidents in the future.
