The Kaduna State Governor,Senator Uba Sani has received the shocking news of the unintended loss of lives and injury of some Muslim faithfuls after a drone operation by the Nigerian Army on Sunday 3rd December 2023.The affected residents had gathered to mark Maulud festivities at Tudun Biri Community Igabi LGA.
In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Kaduna State Governor, Muhammad Lawal Shehu, Governor Uba Sani said that he had ordered a thorough investigation to forestall future occurrences, by immediately convening an emergency security meeting that had in attendance representatives of the Nigerian Army, the Commissioner of Police, Director of the Department of State Services, Chairman of JNI Kaduna State chapter.
“I have ordered immediate investigations into the tragic incident. We are determined to prevent a repeat of this tragedy and reassure our people that their protection would be prioritized in the sustained fight against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.
I have also directed the immediate evacuation of the injured to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for emergency medical attention. The Government will be responsible for their treatment and related logistics.” Governor Sani said.
Additionally, while appealing for calm in the affected communities, Governor Sani stated that “search and rescue operations in the area are ongoing. The State Government has dispatched top government officials to the area to assess the situation, reach out to the families of the victims and advice the government on the immediate actions and measures to be taken to lessen the pains of the families of the victims.”
Governor Uba Sani on behalf of the people of Kaduna State has extended condolences to the families of the deceased and prayed for the total and speedy recovery of the injured who are currently receiving treatment at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital.
“The Kaduna State Government regrets the loss of lives and remains committed in ensuring that residents continue to live and conduct their legitimate businesses without fear,” the Governor concluded.
KDSG receives briefings on Tudun Biri village attacks
…meets Islamic clerics, traditional rulers
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government has received briefings on Sunday night’s attack which left several citizens dead and others injured, Samuel Aruwan, Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, said in a statement.
In a meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, which had in attendance heads of security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, the Nigerian Army explained the circumstances which led to the unfortunate and unintended attack.
The General Officer Commanding One Division Nigerian Army, Major VU Okoro explained that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists but inadvertently affected members of the community.
The Deputy Governor at the end of the closed door meeting, conveyed the condolences of the Government and People of Kaduna State to the families that lost their loved ones, and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.
As of the time of this update, search-and-rescue efforts are still ongoing, as dozens of injured victims have been evacuated to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital by the Government.
Heads of security agencies who attended the meeting include the Commissioner of Police, MY Garba, and Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) Abdul Eneche. The Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of Jam’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Professor Shafi’u Abdullahi, led other religious leaders. Also present at meeting was the District of Rigasa, Alhaji Aminu Idris in whose domain the incident occurred.