Military mistakes can lead to serious consequences, investigations, and potential changes in procedures to prevent such incidents. It could also result in disciplinary actions, changes in training protocols, and increased emphasis on avoiding friendly fire. The impact on morale and public perception can also be significant. Such is the case of the Nigerian Army which has claimed responsibility for the bombing of villagers during a Maulud Nabiy celebration in Kaduna state, Northwest, Nigeria.
It was reported that scores of villagers in Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State were killed after a bomb was allegedly dropped by a military jet during a Maulud celebration.
No fewer than 30 residents were killed and many others injured in the incident which took place around 9 p.m. on Sunday, November 3, 2023.
The Nigerian Air Force had earlier denied responsibility for the attack.
According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Commodore Edward Gabkwet, NAF has not carried out any operations in Kaduna in the last 24 hours.
However, the Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj Gen VU Okoro, admitted that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists when the incident happened.
“The Kaduna State Government has received briefings on Sunday night’s attack which left several citizens dead and others injured. In a meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, which had in attendance heads of security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, the Nigerian Army explained the circumstances which led to the unfortunate and unintended attack.
“The General Officer Commanding One Division Nigerian Army, Major VU Okoro explained that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists but inadvertently affected members of the community,” the statement read in part.
It further stated that the deputy governor at the end of the closed-door meeting conveyed condolences of the government and people of Kaduna State to the families that lost their loved ones.
“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.
“Heads of security agencies who attended the meeting include the Commissioner of Police, MY Garba, and Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) Abdul Eneche. The Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of Jam’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Professor Shafi’u Abdullahi, led other religious leaders. Also present at the meeting was the District of Rigasa, Alhaji Aminu Idris in whose domain the incident occurred,” the statement added.
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