On December 3, 2023, tragedy struck Tudun Biri village in Kaduna State when a military drone, originally intended for a group of bandits, mistakenly targeted unarmed civilians, resulting in the loss of many lives.
This unfortunate incident has left a lasting impact on the villagers, who continue to mourn the painful memory of that day. Recently, our reporter visited the village to assess the atmosphere and preparations of the Christian community for the upcoming Christmas celebration, which is traditionally held on December 25, 2023.
It was discovered that the village is home to both Christians and Muslims, who have peacefully coexisted for centuries.
A prominent figure in the community, Prince Ifira, who is also a cyclist, emphasized the harmonious relationship between the two religious groups, stating that they live as brothers and do not engage in quarrels.
Despite the tragedy that befell the village, Ifira believes that it has brought unexpected positive changes, as the community has gained attention from various important individuals. The journey to Tudun Biri village was relatively smooth, with the road leading to the village currently undergoing rehabilitation after being in poor condition.
The motorcyclist was approached while contemplating whether the Pulaku Initiative, a peaceful approach to tackling challenges in Kaduna and other North West states, had begun. They asked about the workers at the construction site and who had assigned them their tasks.
The site engineer, choosing not to disclose his name, revealed that the governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, had mandated the construction of a road leading to Tudun Biri.
The objective was to ensure accessibility for both the village residents and the growing number of visitors.
The engineer mentioned that work was progressing swiftly, although there had been a slight delay due to encountering two swampy areas during the construction process.
It was discovered that the governor had visited the village the previous week to offer solace and support after an unfortunate incident.
The governor had also assured the community that the state government, in collaboration with the federal government, was committed to providing social amenities to the village.
Upon arriving at the village, the Sunday Tribune learned that a temporary clinic would soon be constructed to cater to the needs of the distressed community.
Officials from the state’s primary health agency, led by Dr. Bello Jamoh, were present to inform the villagers about the governor’s directive for the immediate construction of the clinic.
Dr. Jamoh explained that this swift intervention aligned with the principles and practices of primary healthcare delivery.
He stressed the importance of addressing potential health issues that may arise from the blast zone, even if symptoms manifest at a later stage.
The head of the agency emphasized that once the clinic was established, villagers would have the opportunity to register their symptoms and undergo screening. Those in need of medical attention would receive appropriate treatment.
After interacting with the health personnel, the Sunday Tribune proceeded to the Christian community to inquire about their preparations for the upcoming Christmas celebrations.
