According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Nigerian Army’s air attack on Tudun Biri village in Kaduna State claimed the lives of 85 individuals, with an additional 66 people sustaining injuries.
Halima Suleiman, the spokesperson for NEMA’s North-West zone, conveyed this information during a press briefing, stating that local officials provided the total number of fatalities after the bodies were laid to rest on Monday.
NEMA indicated that the ongoing search might reveal more casualties, as they collaborate with community leaders to ease tensions and access the affected area.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered an investigation following the army’s acknowledgment of an accidental drone strike during festivities in Tudun Biri. Although the army didn’t specify casualty numbers, residents reported 85 deaths, including women and children, in the tragic incident.
“President Tinubu describes the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful, expressing indignation and grief over the tragic loss of Nigerian lives,” the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale said in a statement.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani also ordered a complete inquiry into the event on Sunday, promising citizens that their security and protection will be prioritized in the ongoing fight against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups.
In a statement made to express condolences to the Tudun Biri community following the unfortunate occurrence, the governor stated that his administration is dedicated to preventing a repeat of the incident.
The governor directed that the injured be immediately evacuated to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for emergency medical assistance and that the Kaduna State Government would be responsible for their treatment and related logistics.
He, however, urged the affected community and other state residents to be calm and to continue to support the security forces and the state government in their fight against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups in the state.
