Nigerian Army has admitted to mistakenly bombing Turin Biri Village in Kaduna State, resulting in the tragic loss of over 120 innocent lives. The incident occurred in the middle of the night on Sunday, December 3, 2023, as drone strikes targeted the village.
according to Channels, The incident is said to have occurred around 9pm on Sunday, when villagers gathered for Maulud celebration.The aftermath of the incident revealed the scale of the tragedy, leaving the community in mourning for the lives lost.
The Kaduna State Government, grappling with the gravity of the situation, has confirmed the Nigerian Army’s admission of responsibility for mistakenly dropping a bomb on Tudun Biri in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The incident, which transpired during a Maulud celebration on Sunday, claimed the lives of at least 30 villagers. Initial reports suggest that a military jet allegedly released the bomb, prompting a swift response from the government.
Contrary to earlier denials by the Nigerian Air Force, Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information, clarified that the NAF had not conducted any operations in Kaduna within the last 24 hours. However, Samuel Aruwan, the Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, provided a different narrative. He stated that Major VU Okoro, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch, admitted to the Army’s engagement in a routine mission against terrorists when the incident occurred.
A subsequent meeting, held on Monday at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna, aimed to address the incident comprehensively. Major VU Okoro clarified during the meeting that the routine anti-terrorism mission inadvertently impacted the residents of the community.
As search-and-rescue efforts persist, numerous injured individuals have been evacuated to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital under the state government’s supervision. The Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, conveyed the government’s condolences to the affected families and expressed prayers for the repose of the victims’ souls.
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The Kaduna State Government, having received briefings on the tragic attack, emphasized its commitment to transparency. During the meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, leaders from security agencies, religious figures, and traditional leaders were present. Major VU Okoro provided insights into the circumstances surrounding the unintended attack, reassuring the public of the Army’s commitment to preventing such incidents in the future.
As the nation grapples with this tragedy, the focus remains on the ongoing efforts to address the immediate aftermath, investigate the incident, and provide support to the affected community. VOTP News will continue to monitor and report verified on developments as they unfold.
