Army Explains Accidental Drone Attack On Villagers In Kaduna

Army Explains Accidental Drone Attack On Villagers In Kaduna

The Army issued an apology yesterday for the unintended bombing of worshippers in Kaduna State on Sunday night. The routine air strike, originally aimed at terrorists, inadvertently impacted civilians during a religious celebration in Tudun Biri village, Afaka ward of Rigasa District in Igabi Local Government Area.

In response to the incident, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered a comprehensive investigation to prevent similar occurrences, echoing the directive issued by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani on Tuesday. President Tinubu also expressed sympathy for the victims of the tragedy.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) reported 85 casualties, with an additional 66 individuals sustaining injuries during the unfortunate event. The Northern States Governors’ Forum called for a thorough investigation, labeling the incident as a “heartbreaking tragedy.”

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Various organizations, including the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), Ja’amatul Nasiru Islam (JNI), and the 14th Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, mourned the victims and advocated for a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The Army, acknowledging the regrettable error, expressed deep sadness over the occurrence. Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, personally extended the apology during a visit to the affected community. Accompanied by principal staff officers from the Army Headquarters and the General Officer Commanding, One Division, Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, Lagbaja commiserated with the victims and donated N10 million to the survivors. The COAS also offered prayers at the mass grave site for the deceased in the village, situated approximately five kilometers west of the Kaduna International Airport.

He told reporters: “On Sunday, while the Nigerian Army UAV (Unarmed Aerial Vehicle) platforms were conducting armed reconnaissance around the vicinity of Riyawa, Ruma, the drones observed movement of people suspected to be bandits.

“Having trailed them for some time, the decision was taken to strike based on the observation of some tactics usually employed by bandits.

“Unfortunately, the report we got thereafter revealed that it was innocent civilians in Tudun Biri that the drone carried out the strike on.

“We have already set up an inquiry. The enquiry committee will ensure a holistic review and recommendations that will be worthwhile going forward.”

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He mentioned that the Nigerian Army is committed to providing assistance to the community to alleviate their suffering and appealed to the residents for support by sharing valuable information.

Alhaji Aminu Idris, the District Head of Rigasa, corroborated that over 80 people had been laid to rest and affirmed the presence of bandits in the vicinity. He encouraged the Army to persist in its efforts to safeguard lives and properties, expressing hope that victims and their families would receive due compensation.

According to a statement from the Army spokesperson, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, Tudun Biri and neighboring villages were reported to be infested with bandits.

He said: “Troops were carrying out aerial patrols when they observed a group of people and wrongly analysed and misinterpreted their pattern of activities to be similar to that of the bandits, before the drone strike.”

He conveyed that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) visited Tudun Biri to express sincere regrets and offer unreserved apologies on behalf of the Nigerian Army to the District Head, the community, and the government and people of Kaduna.

As outlined by the spokesperson, the investigation will play a crucial role in guiding the Nigerian Army to meticulously and professionally address identified lapses and deficiencies in both human and artificial intelligence aspects, aiming to prevent future recurrences.

In a statement by the Director of Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Defence Headquarters revealed that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) deployed to the area detected the movement of terrorists.

He said: “On December 3 at about 2200hrs and based on untoward activities by terrorists, the Nigerian Army UAV detachment observed movement of terrorists at Ligarma, a terrorist-infested area of Kaduna.

“Aerial surveillance captured the movement of groups of persons synonymous with the terrorist tactics and modus operandi.

“The observed advance of the terrorists that were gathered posted a threat to key infrastructure within reach of the untoward activities.

“Accordingly, the threat was eliminated to prevent the terrorist from unleashing terror on innocent civilians.”

According to Buba, terrorists often embed themselves within the civilian population.

“Nevertheless, the Nigerian military does its best at all times to distinguish between civilians and terrorists,” he said.

The high command said the military views every civilian death in the course of operations as a tragedy, with extensive measures taken to avoid them.

“One such measure taken by the military is to continually give precise instructions to communities.

“For instance, communities are to always alert troops of their activities particularly when such a community is known to be infested with terrorists and their sympathisers.

“These instructions are intended to enable the military to distinguish between friendly and untoward activities,” the DHQ said

It added that the military would continue to operate in line with international law as it always has done.

“It will also continue its determined and cautious progress in eradicating terrorists from our land.

“Accordingly, we will continue to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced in the conduct of operations.”

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