The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and Kaduna State Government have clarified the Sunday alleged bombing of villagers at Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday night.
There had been claims that a jet dropped a bomb around 9 pm on Sunday, when villagers gathered for a Maulud celebration, leaving several casualties.
The Air Force, through its spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, in reaction to the report, noted that NAF has not carried out any air operation in Kaduna within the last 24 hours.
Gabkwet called on journalists in the country to pay due diligence on reports before publishing unverified and unconfirmed reports.
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government says it has received briefings on Sunday night’s attack which left several people dead and others injured.
A statement by the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said search and rescue efforts were still on, while ” dozens” injured have been evacuated to a hospital.
“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 General 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. Others include : the Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of Jam’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), Professor Shafi’u Abdullahi, who led other religious leaders.
Also present at the meeting was the District Head of Rigasa, Alhaji Aminu Idris in whose domain the incident occurred”, the statement concludes.
