The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has rejected the explanation put forth by the military that the Kaduna attack where scores of unarmed civilians were killed was accidental.
SaharaReporters reported on Monday that the Nigerian military on Sunday killed scores of Muslims celebrating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Maulid Nabiyy) in the state.
It was gathered that the Muslim worshippers were killed by an aerial bombardment.
The army has said the airstrikes were targeting terrorists.
However, The CNG in a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comr. Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, called for a comprehensive, transparent, independent investigation into the Kaduna incident to ensure that all those responsible are identified and brought to justice.
The group said the incident of bombing innocent lives in Northern Nigeria without a single arrest made by the federal government raises questions about the disparities in response if similar incidents were to occur in southern Nigeria.
CNG explained that the incident confirms the fears that the prevalence of insecurity in Nigeria over the last 16 years can be attributed, in part, to the lack of coordination and collaboration which indicates a larger problem within Nigeria’s security forces.
It added that the lack of coordination is due to the absence of a centralized command structure, noting that without a clear chain of command, each arm of the security forces operates independently, leading to confusion and conflicting strategies.
The statement reads in part, “The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) is saddened by the recent military airstrikes in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, resulting in the tragic loss of innocent lives during a peaceful religious festivity.
“The CNG is particularly worried that despite the killing of over 100 unarmed civilians and injuring several others, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Tuesday, December 5, attempted to shift blame by saying that the Nigerian Army did its best to distinguish between civilians and terrorists in the bombing of the community in Kaduna state.
“The CNG finds it disturbing that without remorse, the DHQ tried to justify the heinous act of killing innocent civilians by saying that terrorists often mix with civilians, noting that the Army’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detachment observed the movement of terrorists at Ligarma, an area notorious for being a haven for insurgents.
“The DHQ’s attempt to shamelessly shift blame and justify the killing of innocent civilians is deeply troubling as it seems to lack remorse and accountability, which raises questions about the ethical conduct of the Nigerian Army.
“The DHQ’s argument that terrorists often mix with civilians is not a valid justification for the loss of innocent lives. The indiscriminate bombing of a community, regardless of the presence of terrorists, is a clear violation of international humanitarian law.
“Furthermore, the DHQ’s claim that the Army’s unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) detachment observed the movement of terrorists in the area is insufficient to justify the loss of civilian lives.
“The use of UAVs should enhance the military’s ability to gather intelligence and accurately identify targets, thereby reducing the risk of civilian casualties. However, it is evident that this was not the case in the Kaduna state incident. The failure to distinguish between civilians and terrorists is shameful and questions the effectiveness and professionalism of the Nigerian Army.”
It said, “The disturbing thing here is that in all these atrocities not a single soldier has been arraigned for their commission and not a mention is made to compensate the victims or reconstructing and resettling the destroyed and displaced communities.
“This indifference by the federal government when it involves the North has further heightened the concerns that these killings are part of a wider agenda to decimate the northern numerical superiority.
“The CNG observes that the disjointed nature of the security forces’ operations reflects a deeper issue of interagency rivalry and competition, sycophancy giving rise to Defence corruption and the commercialization of the security situation.
“Each arm of the security forces is more concerned with protecting its own interests and reputation rather than working collaboratively towards a common goal.
“The recurring incidents of civilian casualties resulting from military operations in northern Nigeria have raised serious concerns about the effectiveness and ethical implications of the country’s counterterrorism efforts.
“The lack of responsibility, apology, and urgent, genuine steps for compensation from the government following the bombing in Kaduna raises serious concerns about government accountability.
“The current incident of bombing lives out of more than a hundred people in Northern Nigeria without a single arrest made by the federal government raises questions about the disparities in response if similar incidents were to occur in southern Nigeria.
“It is saddening to recall that just a while ago, a lady was shot dead by a policeman and he was quickly arrested and put to trial, but more than seventy-five hours after the bombing of a whole community in the North, no arrest has been made of either the soldier that operated the drone or the commanding officer or any accomplice to the dastardly act.
“This brings back the sad memory of the assassination of General Mamman Shuwa a few distance from a military formation and no arrest has been made several years after.
“We call on President Tinubu to prioritize the establishment of a centralized command structure within the security forces.”
