The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the February 25 election, Atiku Abubakar, has called on security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the accidental bombing of locals in the Tudun Biri community of Kaduna State by the Nigerian Army on Sunday.
Atiku condemned the attack in a statement shared on his official X account on Tuesday.
The former Vice President of Nigeria also expressed his condolences to the families and victims of the accident.
He also decried the fact that the victims were celebrating the Maulud anniversary before the tragic incident happened.
According to Atiku, the incidence of miscalculated air strikes is assuming a worrisome dimension in Nigeria which is why there is a need to develop counterinsurgency strategies that will insulate the civilian population from tragic incidents of this nature.
The PDP Chieftain while calling on the security authorities to launch a thorough investigation into the tragedy, noted that it is necessary to avert any future occurrences.
Atiku also prayed for the repose of souls lost in the incident and that God the Almighty Allah would comfort the bereaved families of the victims.
The PDP flagbearer in the February 25 poll also called for proper medical attention for survivors and assistance to families of the dead.
I am grieved by the news of the drone airstrike that killed dozens of people and left scores of others with various degrees of injury in the Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Ironically, the victims of this unfortunate incident were celebrating…
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) December 5, 2023
The herald recalls that the Nigerian Air Force had earlier denied being behind the attack, the Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, later admitted in a statement that the Force was behind the attack.
Explaining that it was a mistake on their part, on Monday, 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.