The Nigerian Army says its men were behind the airstrike that killed many locals at Tudun Biri village in Kaduna State.
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the army’s admission of its role in the unfortunate incident on Monday.
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Tudun Biri village, once a tranquil community, has now become the epicenter of a national tragedy. The aftermath of the airstrike has left many villagers dead and countless others injured. The grief-stricken community is grappling with the consequences of a military operation that was meant to safeguard lives but tragically took them instead.
The admission by the Nigerian Army that its personnel were responsible for the airstrike has sparked a wave of public outcry and demands for accountability. The military’s claim raises several questions: What led to the decision to conduct an airstrike in a civilian-populated area? Was there credible intelligence to justify such an action? How can such incidents be prevented in the future?
Major VU Okoro, the General Officer Commanding One Division of the Nigerian Army, has been at the forefront of providing briefings on the incident. His statements are crucial in understanding the military’s perspective and the circumstances that led to the tragic event. Okoro’s briefings should address concerns about the decision-making process, adherence to rules of engagement, and the measures being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The Kaduna State government’s acknowledgment of the incident is a step towards transparency. However, it raises the larger issue of accountability. As investigations unfold, it is imperative for the government to ensure a thorough and impartial inquiry. Those responsible for the decisions leading to the airstrike must be held accountable under the law. The government must also take steps to provide support and compensation to the affected families and the community at large.
The Kaduna State government has now said it received briefings on the attack with the General Officer Commanding One Division of the Nigerian Army, Major VU Okoro
He spoke after an emergency security meeting.
Recall that the airstrike that occurred on Sunday claimed several villagers performing a religious activity.
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The Kaduna State government has now said it received briefings on the attack, with the General Officer Commanding One Division of the Nigerian Army, Major VU Okoro, explaining that the Army was on a routine mission against terrorists but members of the community were inadvertently affected.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Aruwan said: “The Kaduna State Government has received briefings on Sunday night’s attack, which left several citizens dead and others injured.
“In a meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, which had in attendance heads of security agencies and religious and traditional leaders, the Nigerian Army explained the circumstances that led to the unfortunate and unintended attack.
“The General Officer Commanding One Division Nigerian Army, Major VU Okoro, explained that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists but inadvertently affected members of the community.”
“As of the time of this update, search-and-rescue efforts are still ongoing, as dozens of injured victims have been evacuated to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital by the Government,” he added
The admission by the Nigerian Army of its involvement in the airstrike that claimed lives in Tudun Biri is a tragic chapter in the nation’s history. As investigations continue, it is crucial for the government and military to prioritize transparency, accountability, and justice. The incident serves as a wake-up call for reassessing military protocols, ensuring adherence to ethical standards, and rebuilding trust between the military and the civilian population. Only through a comprehensive and transparent response can Nigeria hope to prevent such devastating incidents in the future and uphold the values of justice and accountability.
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