Protesters gathered at the National Assembly on Wednesday to express grief over the accidental bombing of Tudun Biri in Kaduna State, resulting in the death toll climbing to 127. Amnesty International threatens legal action if thorough investigations are not conducted, while the United Nations urges the military to protect citizens and reduce accidental killings.
Protesters Demand Justice at National Assembly After Kaduna Bombing
Protesters occupied the National Assembly entrance for over two hours, demanding justice for victims of the accidental bombing in Kaduna. They called on the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, to fulfill his responsibilities or resign. The National Youth Council of Nigeria and Arewa Youth Movement led the demonstration, expressing concerns about the deteriorating security situation in Northern Nigeria.
Amnesty International Threatens Legal Action Over Kaduna Bombing
Amnesty International revealed plans to take legal action against the Federal Government if thorough investigations into the accidental bombing are not carried out. The organization is compiling a list of deceased persons, emphasizing the need for accountability. The death toll from the incident has risen to 127, with scores of injured individuals receiving treatment in Kaduna hospitals.
UN Condemns Kaduna Bombing, Calls for Military Review
The United Nations Human Rights Office condemned the accidental bombing in Kaduna and urged the military to review its rules of engagement to prevent similar incidents. The UN expressed concern about the airstrikes causing severe civilian casualties and called for thorough investigations into alleged violations of international human rights and humanitarian law. The military’s reliance on airstrikes in the fight against bandits in Nigeria’s northwest and northeast regions
raised international scrutiny.
Compensation Estimates for Victims of Kaduna Bombing
The Federal Government may face compensation costs of about N29.21 billion for the 127 victims of the accidental bombing in Kaduna. The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria cited Islamic laws, with Diya (financial compensation), estimating around N230 million per victim. While secular laws apply in Nigeria, discussions on compensation are underway, with calls for transparency and fairness in addressing the tragic incident.
PDP Calls for Independent Inquiry and National Mourning
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called for an independent inquiry into the Kaduna bombing, describing the incident as heartrending. The PDP urged the Federal Government to declare a day of national mourning in memory of the victims. Expressing condolences to affected families, the party emphasized the need for professionalism in the fight against terrorism and demanded swift action to compensate victims’ families.
Defence Minister Visits Victims, Reaffirms Commitment
Minister of State for Defence, Dr Bello Matawalle, visited victims of the accidental bombing in Kaduna, condemning the incident. He expressed condolences on behalf of the Federal Government and affirmed the continued fight against insurgency and terrorism. Despite the unfortunate incident, Matawalle emphasized that the government’s commitment to combating terrorism remains unwavering.
