Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party’s presidential candidate in the February 25 election, has called for a comprehensive investigation into the accidental bombing that occurred in the Tudun Biri community of Kaduna State. The incident, involving the Nigerian Army, resulted in the death of at least 30 residents and numerous injuries on Sunday.
Expressing his condolences to the affected families and victims, the former Vice President issued a statement on his official platform on Tuesday. Atiku lamented the tragic event, emphasizing the need for a thorough examination of the circumstances leading to the accidental bombing.
“I am grieved by the news of the drone airstrike that killed dozens of people and left scores of others with various degrees of injury in the Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” Atiku stated.
Highlighting the unfortunate timing of the incident, where the victims were celebrating the Maulud anniversary, Atiku voiced his concern about the increasing occurrence of miscalculated air strikes in the country. He urged the authorities to develop counterinsurgency strategies to protect civilian populations from such tragic incidents.
The statement continued, “I call on the authorities to launch a thorough investigation into this tragedy to avert future occurrences.”
Atiku concluded by offering prayers for the souls lost in the incident, calling for proper medical attention to the survivors and assistance to the families of the deceased. Despite the Nigerian Air Force initially denying responsibility, the Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, later revealed that the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj Gen VU Okoro, admitted the Army’s involvement in the accidental airstrike during a routine mission against terrorists.
