By Latiifah Amusan
The Nigerian Army has taken responsibility for a bomb attack that occurred on Sunday night in Tudun Biri village, Igabi local government area of Kaduna state which resulted in the tragic deaths of numerous civilians.
Earlier reports suggested that the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) jets were involved in the incident. But the NAF denied its involvement in a statement issued through its spokesperson.
The Army has now claimed responsibility for the accidental bombing.
The Kaduna State commissioner for internal security and home affairs, Samuel Aruwan confirmed the development, according to The Nation.
In a statement on Monday, Aruwan said Major General Valentine Okoro, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, clarified that the attack was unintended and occurred during a routine mission against terrorists in the area.
He said, “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, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who had in attendance heads of security agencies, and 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 General VU Okoro, explained that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists but inadvertently affected members of the community.”
The commissioner added that the time of the statement, search-and-rescue efforts were still ongoing, as dozens of injured victims have been evacuated to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital by the government.
