Uba Sani: DHQ’s statement on Kaduna bombing very careless — we must show empathy

Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna, has faulted the statement of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) regarding the air strikes at Tundun Biri community, in Igabi LGA of Kaduna state.

Sani spoke during an interview on Channels Television on Friday.

On Sunday, many residents were killed, with scores injured after air strikes were launched on the community.

The villagers were reportedly commemorating the birth of Prophet Mohammad when the jet dropped the bomb that led to the death of several persons.

The Nigerian Army accepted responsibility for the incident, stating that its troops were on a routine mission against terrorists when the “mistake” occurred.

The DHQ, in a statement, said the terrorists embedded with the civilians, adding that the air strikes were targeted at the insurgents.

“It should be noted that terrorists often deliberately embed themselves within civilian population centres for the civilian population to bear the consequences of their atrocities,” DHQ had said.

Reacting to the statement, the Kaduna governor said there is need to verify the DHQ’s claim that some terrorists reside in the community.

Sani said it would not take the statement of the DHQ seriously, adding that it is only human to show empathy over the incident and not give excuses.

“What happened in Tundun Biri is something that is unfortunate and avoidable. But the fact that the chief of staff took responsibility is the reason why the community is calm,” the Kaduna governor said.

“To say that some terrorists are in the community is something that needs verification. I think it was a very careless statement.

“If you visit the hospital and see what is happening, you would condemn statements like this (DHQ). I don’t want to emphasise the statement.

“I believe the statements of the chief of army staff, Mr. President, vice-president, minister of defence, and NSA. These are the statements I will take more seriously.”

The Kaduna governor said the confirmed death toll from the incident was 87 as of Friday morning.