The Kaduna State government has confirmed that Sunday night’s killing in Tudun Birni community, Igabi Local Government Area of the state, adding the incident inadvertently occurred during a routine mission against terrorists by the Nigerian Army.
There were reports that the incident was caused by a bomb blast allegedly dropped by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jet.
However, the NAF had distanced itself from the unfortunate incident, saying none of its aircraft had been flown anywhere in Kaduna State in the last 24 hours.
Reports had it that the villagers were commemorating the birthday of Prophet Mohammed when the jet dropped the bomb leading to the death of many people.
However, in a statement, NAF spokesman, Edward Gabkwet, said the news attributing the incident to NAF is false.
“Please be informed that the NAF has not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours.
“Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the North-western region of Nigeria.
“It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press with unverified and unconfirmed reports,” he said.
After after an emergency security meeting at the Government House, Kaduna, the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Samuel Aruwan, in a statement Monday disclosed the Nigerian Army’s role in the unfortunate incident.
More than 30 residents are feared dead in the airstrikes on Sunday night while others sustained various degree of injuries.
