“We were after terrorists” Army takes blame and apologises as NAF denies bombing Kaduna village during Maulud celebrations

The Nigeria Air Force, NAF, has distanced itself from the bombing of a village in Kaduna State, while the Nigerian Army took responsibility for the attack.

An attack during the Maulud celebration at Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of the state, on Sunday night, Dec. 3, left many dead and others injured (read here).

It was disclosed that the bomb was dropped from a jet.

Samuel Aruwan, Overseeing Commissioner of the State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, then revealed that the government would address the media on the bombing in a press conference at the Government House.

In a statement, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF absolved the airmen of blame.

He 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 conducted any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours.

“Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the Northwestern region of Nigeria. It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press.”

Meanwhile, authorities of the Nigerian Army have taken responsibility for the Sunday night bomb attack, which led to the death of dozens of civilians.

The Army said the villagers were inadvertently affected during its routine mission against terrorists on the axis.

The Overseeing Commissioner of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna state, Samuel Aruwan, made the clarification.

He spoke after the state’s Security Council meeting on Monday, Dec. 4.

The heads of security agencies, Islamic clerics, and traditional rulers were at the meeting presided over by the deputy governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe.

At the meeting, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Valentine Okoro explained the circumstances that led to the unfortunate attack.

Aruwan said: “The Kaduna state government has received briefings on Sunday night’s attack, which left several citizens dead and others injured.

“The General Officer Commanding One Division Nigerian Army, Major General VU Okoro, explained that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists but inadvertently affected members of the community.

“The deputy governor at the end of the closed-door meeting, conveyed the condolences of the Government and People of Kaduna State to the families that lost their loved ones and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.

“As of the time of this update, search-and-rescue efforts are still ongoing, as dozens of injured victims have been evacuated to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital by the government.”