Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar is in mourning just as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has ordered an immediate investigation over a military air strike that accidentally killed some 85 civilians in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
A statement by Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale today Tuesday said Tinubu had ordered “a thorough and full-fledged investigation into the incident,” calling for “calm while the authorities look diligently into the mishap.
“President Tinubu describes the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful, expressing indignation and grief over the tragic loss of Nigerian lives.
The President also directed swift and comprehensive medical attention to surviving victims while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased, who were accidentally bombed by the military on Sunday.
According to the Nigerian Army, one of its drones targeting armed groups accidentally struck the Tudun Biri village as residents.
Victims were celebrating a Muslim festival.
In a tweet on the social platform X, Atiku said:
“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. Ironically, the victims of this unfortunate incident were celebrating the Maulud anniversary.
“The incidence of miscalculated air strikes is assuming a worrisome dimension in the country.
“We need to develop counterinsurgency strategies that will insulate the civilian population from tragic incidents of this nature.
“I call on the authorities to launch a thorough investigation into this tragedy to avert future occurrences.
“Meanwhile, no resource should be spared in medical attention to the injured and assistance to the families of the dead. I pray that the Almighty Allah comforts the bereaved families and grants the dead eternal peace. –AA”
