At least 85 civilians were tragically killed in an airstrike during a Muslim religious celebration in Kaduna state, north-west Nigeria, on Sunday. This devastating incident, labeled a “bombing mishap” by President Bola Tinubu, has sparked outrage and calls for justice.
Initial reports indicate that the victims were mistakenly targeted by a military drone that was intended for “terrorists and bandits” operating in the region. Over 60 additional individuals were injured and hospitalized as a result of the attack.
The Nigerian defense ministry acknowledged the incident as a “needless tragedy” and expressed regret for the “inadvertent” harm caused to civilians. This explanation, however, does little to quell the anger and grief felt by the residents of Tundun Biri, where the airstrike occurred.
Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, head of the Nigerian army, expressed his “deepest regrets” for the “unfortunate mishap” and has initiated an investigation into the incident. Preliminary findings suggest that the soldiers mistook the gathering of villagers for a group of bandits due to misinterpreting their activities.
President Tinubu and Governor Uba Sani have both called for a thorough and comprehensive investigation into the incident, urging for calm while the authorities diligently investigate the cause of the tragedy.
The National Emergency Management Agency reported that 85 bodies have been buried so far, with search operations ongoing. The victims include children, women, and the elderly, highlighting the devastating impact of the incident on the community.
Eyewitnesses recounted the horror of the attack, describing two separate airstrikes and the tragic loss of life. One man reported losing 34 family members, with 66 others injured and hospitalized. A woman described the aftermath of the bombing, witnessing women dying while holding their babies.
This incident raises serious concerns about the Nigerian military’s tactics and the potential for civilian casualties in its ongoing operations against armed groups. The death toll from accidental airstrikes by the Nigerian military since 2017 has exceeded 300, according to a research report.
As the investigation continues, the families of the victims grapple with their grief and demand accountability for this tragic event. The Nigerian government must take decisive action to prevent such tragedies from occurring again and ensure the safety of its citizens.
