Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has ordered investigations into the attack which took place on Sunday night while Muslims were celebrating Maulud Nabbiy with more than 50 others injured.
The death toll in the bombing of civilians by the Army at Tudun Biri Village in Igabi Local Government Area has risen to 80.
Residents told newsmen on Monday that bombs were dropped on their community by a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet but the Air Force denied involvement in the attack.
NAF, in a statement by its spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said: “The news making the rounds alleging that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft accidentally killed innocent civilians in Kaduna is false. Please be informed that the NAF has not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours. Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the North western region of Nigeria.
“It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press with unverified and unconfirmed reports.”
Commissioner Overseeing the Ministry of Internal Security and Hone Affairs,Samuel Aruwan subsequently announced the Army was responsible for the accidental bomb attack in its routine campaign against terrorists in the area.
Aruwan, in a statement, after from the state security council meeting said the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Valentine Okoro explained the circumstances that led to the unfortunate attack.
He said: “The Kaduna State Government has received briefings on Sunday night’s attack which left several citizens dead and others injured.
“In a meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, which had in attendance heads of security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, the Nigerian Army explained the circumstances which led to the unfortunate and unintended attack.
“The General Officer Commanding One Division Nigerian Army, Major General VU Okoro explained that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists but inadvertently affected members of the community.
“The Deputy Governor at the end of the closed door meeting, conveyed the condolences of the Government and People of Kaduna State to the families that lost their loved ones, and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.
“As of the time of this update, search-and-rescue efforts are still ongoing, as dozens of injured victims have been evacuated to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital by the Government.
“Heads of security agencies who attended the meeting include the Commissioner of Police, MY Garba, and Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) Abdul Eneche.
“The Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of Jam’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Professor Shafi’u Abdullahi, led other religious leaders. Also present at meeting was the District Head of Rigasa, Alhaji Aminu Idris in whose domain the incident occurred.”
