From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna
The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has expressed shock over the horrific armed drone attack on a group of people on a Maulud procession at Tudun Biri community, Afaka Ward, near Rigasa, in an Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, in the evening of Sunday, December 3, 2023.
Prof. T. A. Muhammad-Baba
National Publicity Secretary, in a statement, explained that “the Nigerian Army has since admitted responsibility for the attack, dubbed “inadvertent by General Officer Commanding (GOC) of One Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General VU Okoro, said to have occurred when troops were on a routine military mission. The Army authorities remain mute about casualty figures, even if tentative.
However, from what can be discerned from various reports, as many as 80 (and possibly more) people, mostly children and women, were killed with scores injured. Further details are still being awaited. “
“ACF is perplexed and deeply disturbed that such an operation could be contemplated and executed in this densely populated area, suggesting an inexcusable, scandalous, and plausibly incompetent failure of intelligence.
“It is indeed trite to say that sound intelligence is the fulcrum of military operations, While the army authorities have come out with the usual platitude of “investigating” the matter, there is a need to be more forthcoming on the details, even if to douse the feeling in many quarters that there was an initial attempt to downplay the incident except for the vigilance of some members of the public.”
“ACF deeply mourns and hereby condoles all families of the dead. We pray that God Almighty grants the dead peace. ACF also prays for quick and full recovery for those injured.
ACF notes that such incidents of accidental or inadvertent military actions have happened in other communities in the past, with tragic consequences for civilians. Efforts must thus be put in place to avert such avoidable loss of lives (and property). Communities
in the northern states have enough problems with banditry to have to again worry about becoming hapless victims of the misbegotten strategies of those who should be helping to wipe out the scourge of banditry and terrorism.”
“ACF commends the Kaduna State Government for its quick response to the situation and coming to the aid of the injured. However, this is not enough. Therefore, further action must be taken, involving at the very least the following”.
