Army Airstrike: Kaduna remains free from any form of religious or ethnic cleansing  – Gov Sani

Senator Uba Sani, the governor of Kaduna State, declared on Friday that there is neither religious nor ethnic cleansing in the state in response to the Nigerian Army’s unintentional bombing of Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area.

Five days after the horrific event that claimed the lives of over 85 people and injured numerous others, the governor made these remarks in an interview with Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.

He declared, “Let me be clear: there are no religious or ethnic differences in Kaduna State.”

“In the beginning, a lot of people—especially religious and ethnic merchants—made the decision to portray this as a religious problem, so I wouldn’t be shocked if some of them did. In our capacity as Kaduna State’s governor, we are cooperating as a team in religious harmony.

The governor gave an explanation of how the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) brought a delegation to the Kaduna State Government House to express sympathy to the community of Tudun Biri in the Igabi Local Government Area and the state government for the regrettable event.

Army Issues An Apology

Local and international watchdogs have denounced Sunday’s terrible tragedy and demanded probes and a systematic assessment of procedural procedures.

Following the airstrike, there was uncertainty and many people were criticising the Nigerian Air Force. The organisation did not take long to distance itself from the affair, though. A few hours later, the Kaduna State government said that the accidental bombing in the North-West region of Nigeria had been attributed to the Nigerian Army.

Since then, the Army has accepted responsibility for the mishap. During his visit, General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), expressed regret to the community and pledged to ensure that a similar occurrence would not happen again.

“I consider the terrible event that occurred on Sunday, December 3, 2023, to be serious and regrettable. Regarding one of the deadliest military bombing incidents in the nation, he stated, “We will take all reasonable steps to ensure that a similar incident never occurs in the course of our operations moving ahead.

A thorough investigation into the incident has been ordered by the Federal and Kaduna State governments.

Months had passed since a second, deadly bombing on the Nasarawa community of Kwatiri when the Kaduna tragedy occurred. Six more people were hurt and at least 39 people died in the tragedy on January 24.

“Sanctions”

A few hours had passed since Vice President Kashim Shettima paid the affected community a condolence visit in the state, when Governor Sani made his remarks.

Accompanied by the governor and other high-ranking government officials, Shettima reaffirmed that a comprehensive investigation has been initiated following the event and that the Federal Government is committed to punishing anyone found responsible.

“We expect a report to be submitted in the shortest possible time. It is already directed by Mr. President. An investigation is being conducted to prevent a re-occurrence of the incident,” Shettima stated.

Additionally, he promised that the Federal Government will provide support to the incident’s victims.

“Reflecting much on this past occurrence is not beneficial. The President is very worried about what happened and that is why I am here.

“Never mind the statistics; one life lost in cold blood is just as horrific as millions lost in a pogrom. The President’s heart is with the families who have lost a loved one. We went to the hospital to offer our condolences to the victims and to let them know that the people and administration of Kaduna State, as well as the impacted community, have the support of the federal government in this sad event.

Additionally, the Vice President gave his word that President Bola Tinubu’s Federal Government is dedicated to completely eliminating banditry and terrorism in the Northern area and other parts of the nation.