Uba Sani orders probe of army air strike which killed dozens of Kaduna residents

Uba Sani, governor of Kaduna, says he has ordered an investigation into the air strike that killed many residents in Tudun Birni village, Igabi LGA of the state.

In a statement on Monday, Sani said the government is committed to preventing such incidents from occurring in the future.

The bomb was said to have hit the residents while they were celebrating Maulud Nabbiyy in the community.

Earlier, the Nigerian Army admitted to having carried out the air strike on the community, adding that the explosion was a “mistake”.

The governor said he has deployed government officials to the community, noting that a search and rescue operation is ongoing to assess the extent of the incident.

“I have ordered immediate investigations into the tragic incident. We are determined to prevent a repeat of this tragedy and reassure our people that their protection would be prioritized in the sustained fight against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements,” the statement reads.

“I have also directed the immediate evacuation of the injured to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for emergency medical attention. The government will be responsible for their treatment and related logistics.

“Search and rescue operations in the area are ongoing. The state government has dispatched top government officials to the area to assess the situation, reach out to the families of the victims and advise the government on the immediate actions and measures to be taken to lessen the pains of the families of the victims.

“The Kaduna state government regrets the loss of lives and remains committed to ensuring that residents continue to live and conduct their legitimate businesses without fear.”

The governor condoled with the families of persons who lost their lives and prayed for a speedy recovery for those who sustained injuries.