One Idris Dahiru says 34 of his family members died in the military air campaign in Kaduna State on Sunday.
Dahiru is a resident of Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State who came under heavy military shelling over the weekend.
Recall that many villagers were reportedly killed when a Nigerian Army drone unintentionally attacked a gathering of residents celebrating Maulud.
The military, on the other hand, expressed regret for the attack, claiming that it was intended to target terrorists.
In the aftermath of the Kaduna bombing, Idris Dahiru stepped forward as a voice of sorrow, recounting the heart-wrenching loss of 34 family members. His narrative is a stark reminder that behind the statistics and geopolitical complexities lie the shattered lives of ordinary people, innocently caught in the crossfire of larger forces. Dahiru’s story personifies the human toll of conflict, bringing into sharp focus the devastating impact on families and communities.
The military air campaign in Kaduna has once again underscored the grim reality that conflicts, whether internal or external, take a heavy toll on innocent civilians. The collateral damage, as witnessed through Idris Dahiru’s tragedy, raises poignant questions about the methods employed in addressing security challenges and the imperative need for a more measured and precise approach to prevent the loss of civilian lives.
Idris Dahiru’s grief is not merely a personal tragedy; it is a collective mourning for an entire community. The loss of 34 family members is a void that transcends individual sorrow and reverberates through the fabric of Tudun Biri. The resilience of communities in the face of such profound loss is a testament to the human spirit, but it also poses a poignant reflection on the societal scars left by conflict and violence.
As Dahiru and others grapple with the enormity of their loss, the haunting question remains: Why did this tragedy occur? The need for a thorough and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the military air campaign becomes imperative. Answers are not just a salve for the grieving; they are a fundamental aspect of justice and accountability. The voices of those affected must be heard, and their pain acknowledged in the pursuit of a more secure and just society.
Beyond the immediate loss of lives, the Kaduna bombing has sparked a humanitarian crisis in Tudun Biri. Displaced families, shattered homes, and traumatized individuals are now part of the aftermath. The government and relevant humanitarian organizations must act swiftly to provide aid, support, and counseling to those affected. The resilience of the community in the face of adversity is commendable, but it necessitates a collective effort to rebuild and heal the wounds inflicted by this tragic incident.
Speaking in an interview with BBC Hausa, Dahiru said the bombing disrupted their Maulud celebration as it went off without notice and killed many.
He said the bombing was done twice, killing those who had come to help the victims of the first airstrike.
said: “Unexpected airstrikes shattered our annual Maulud celebration. The first bomb exploded without warning, killing innocent people, including women and children. The blast tore apart some victims.
“As we rushed to aid the injured, the jet returned, unleashing a second bomb. This time, many of those who had come to help were among the casualties.
“My family alone has lost 34 members in this tragedy. We have 66 loved ones receiving medical care at Barau Dikko Hospital.”
