Air strike kills several villagers in Kaduna | NAF denies complicity

Many people in Tudun Biri, Igabi LGA of Kaduna state, have been feared killed following an air strike.

Details of the incident, which reportedly occurred on Sunday around 9 pm, are still sketchy.

Reports say the villagers were commemorating the birth of Prophet Mohammed when a jet dropped the bomb that led to the death of several people.

In a statement, Edward Gabkwet, NAF spokesperson, said: “The news making the rounds alleging that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft accidentally killed innocent civilians in Kaduna is false”.

“Please be informed that the NAF has not carried out any air operations within Kaduna state and environs in the last 24 hours,” he said.

“Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the north western region of Nigeria.

“It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press with unverified and unconfirmed reports.”

When contacted, Samuel Aruwan, who oversees the Kaduna ministry of internal security and home affairs, confirmed the incident to TheCable.

He also said he was attending an emergency security meeting and promised to issue a statement afterwards.

“Yes, we are in an emergency security meeting and will speak and issue a statement,” he said.