President Bola Tinubu has ordered an investigation into the military air strike that accidentally killed at least 85 civilians in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale said the president has ordered “a thorough and full-fledged investigation into the incident,” calling for “calm while the authorities look diligently into the mishap.”.

According to the presidential spokesman, Tinubu also directed swift and comprehensive medical attention to surviving victims while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

The army had revealed that one of its drones aimed at armed groups had accidentally struck the Tudun Biri village as residents were celebrating a Muslim festival. 

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher and the Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle yesterday visited the victims of Sunday’s accidental bombing by the Nigerian Army in the Igabi area of Kaduna State. 

According to reports, eighty-five people were killed and 66 injured in the incident. The CDS and minister visited the victims at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna. They were received by the Deputy Chief Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Shuaibu Musa.  While giving an update about the victims, Dr. Shuaibu said 71 people were brought to the hospital, but one died last night.

Similarly, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has described the deadly airstrike in Kaduna State as regrettable.

Lagbaja, who also visited the victims yesterday, promised to guard against such an occurrence in the conduct of military operations.