A resident of Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Idris Dahiru, has disclosed losing 34 members of his family to the Nigerian Army’s aerial accidental bombing that happened Sunday evening.
The incident has left no fewer than 85 villagers dead.
Residents of the affected communities said they were celebrating Maulud, an Islamic event when the bombs were dropped by the military, a development that triggered both local and international condemnation.
The state’s Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe had visited Islamic clerics in the state to douse tension, as the Governor Uba Sani ordered a thorough investigation into the bombing to forestall future occurrences.
While speaking with BBC Hausa, Dahiru said the airstrikes disrupted their celebration and this led to the killing of many.
“Our annual Maulud celebration was shattered by unexpected airstrikes. The first bomb exploded without warning, killing innocent people, including women and children, some victims were torn apart by the blast”.
He added: “As we rushed to aid the injured, the jet returned, unleashing a second bomb, this time, many of those who had come to help were among the casualties.
“My family alone has lost 34 members in this tragedy. We have 66 loved ones receiving medical care at Barau Dikko Hospital”.
However, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja has apologised to the relatives of victims of Sunday’s accidental bombing.
Lagbaja described the incident as “very disheartening”.
He, however, ordered an investigation into the incident, saying the probe would allow the service to avert such situations in the future.
