Kaduna Bombing: Army Chief Joins Funeral Prayers, Pledges Support
By Aminu Dalhatu
Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, has visited Tudun Biri Community in Igabi Local Government Area, Kaduna State, where an army drone killed scores of people.
Speaking to reporters following the visit, Lt. General Lagbaja provided details regarding the army’s recent activity that led to the death of what is now considered to be up to 80 people.
The army has not given any casualty figures.
He explained that on December 3, the Army’s unmanned Ariel vehicle platforms conducted an armed reconnaissance operation in the Riyawa and Ruma vicinity. The drone detected the movement of individuals suspected to be bandits during this operation.
General Lagbaja highlighted that after monitoring their movements for a period, a decision was made to carry out a strike due to “observed tactics employed by the bandits.”.
However, subsequent reports revealed that, regrettably, the strike had targeted innocent civilians, he said.
The army chief stated that a committee of inquiry has been established, noting that his visit to the community has provided insights into the expertise required to assist the committee in gaining a comprehensive understanding to formulate valuable recommendations.
Additionally, the Chief of Army Staff affirmed the Army’s readiness to support the victims of the incident and cover their medical expenses.
Aminu Idris, the district head of Rigasa, praised the Army Chief for the visit, considering it exemplary and expressed optimism that the Army would take further actions to safeguard lives and property in the area.
Idris disclosed that on Monday, approximately 80 community residents, both men and women involved in the incident, had been laid to rest.
General Lagbaja also visited the injured victims at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna metropolis, where he donated N10 million.
President Bola Tinubu had directed a thorough and full-fledged investigation into the incident and called for calm.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Peace Commission said the state government would provide the best medical care to the injured.
The Executive Vice Chairman of the Commission, Dr Sale Momale, stated this while briefing newsmen in Kaduna.
He said the government would continue to update the people of Kaduna State and work with the leadership of the affected communities and their families to provide counselling, relief, and other forms of assistance.
According to Dr Momale, the Kaduna State government would continue to engage with the Nigerian Armed Forces to review the circumstances that led to the tactical error and prevent the recurrence of similar incidents.
Also, the state government has established a committee comprising senior government officials, religious leaders, and representatives of the Nigerian Army to oversee mechanisms of compensation and other forms of government assistance to the victims.
