Vice President Kashim Shettima, says those found culpable in the accident bombing of more than 80 people in Tudun Biri Village in the Igabi Local Government area of Kaduna State will be made to face the law.
Shettima gave the assurances when he led senior government officials on a condolence visit to Kaduna on Thursday.
The Vice President said the Federal Government was determined to probe the bombing and ensure that it did not happen again.
Shetimma, who visited some victims at the hospital, assured them of the federal government’s support and told them that the president was worried and promised to stand by the community.
More than 80 people were killed when a Nigerian Army drone bombed a group of villagers while they were observing Maulud, a yearly religious festival.
According to the villagers, two bombs were dropped almost simultaneously.
Taking responsibility, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, explained that after monitoring the movement of the villagers for a period, a decision was made to carry out a strike due to “observed tactics employed by the bandits.”
However, subsequent reports revealed that, regrettably, the strike had targeted innocent civilians, he said.
Zaria community in Kaduna held a protest, carrying placards with inscriptions such as ‘Justice for Arewa and Justice for Igabi’, while marching through the town.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had ordered a thorough investigation into the incident.
The state governor, Uba Sani, also ordered an immediate investigation.
Senator Ahmad Lawan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Defence, also urged an immediate investigation into the bombing while expressing sadness over the loss of innocent lives.
Lawan called upon the federal government, particularly the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), to provide assistance to the injured and affected individuals.
He emphasised the need for investigations by both the federal government and the Senate Committee on Defence to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.
Expressing solidarity with Kaduna’s people, Lawan acknowledged the gravity of the situation and praised the efforts of first responders and medical personnel.
He called for national unity and support for the victims and their families.
Aminu Idris, the district head of Rigasa, praised the Army Chief for the visit, considering it exemplary and expressed optimism that the Army would take further actions to safeguard lives and property in the area.
Idris disclosed that on Monday, approximately 80 community residents, both men and women involved in the incident, had been laid to rest. (vitalnewsngr.com)
