CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF VISITS TUDUN BIRI COMMUNITY IN KADUNA STATE 05-12-23
By Sadiq Aminu Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoheed Lagbaja has Today, visited Tudun Biri Community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State where citizens observing maulud were accidentally attacked by Army drone last Sunday.
Addressing newsmen shortly after the visit, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja explained that on December 3, Nigerian Army Unmanned Ariel Vehicle platforms were conducting armed reconnaissance operation around Riyawa and Ruma vicinity, where the drone observed the movement of people suspected to be bandits.
He pointed out that having trailed them for sometime, a decision was taken to conduct a strike based on observation of some tactics usually employed by the bandits.
He noted that subsequent reports revealed that the strike conducted was on innocent civilians.
The Army Chief said he was in Tudun Biri to commiserate with the people of the community over the unfortunate incident, describing it as regrettable, and to assess the situation with a view to enabling the Army determine the kind of operation to be conducted to forestall future re-occurrence.
According to Lt General Taoheed Lagbaja, the Army had set up a committee of inquiry into the incident, stressing that his visit to the community has availed him with an idea of the kind of expertise needed to assist the committee to have a holistic view that will enable it give worthwhile recommendations.
The Chief of Army Staff expressed the willingness of the Army to support victims of the incident and to foot their medical fees.
Also speaking, district head of Rigasa, Architect Aminu Idris commended the Army Chief for the visit describing it as exemplary, and expressed optimism that the Army would do more in protecting lives and property.
He disclosed that about 80 residents of the community including males and females who were involved in the incident were buried yesterday.
Architect Aminu Idris, who is also the Dangaladima of Zazzau pledged the resolve of his subjects to remain in the community despite the sad incident.
The Chief of Army Staff was also conducted round the sites of the incident, as well as the mass grave of victims of the incident where a one minute silence and prayers were offered for the deceased.
General Lagbaja also paid a get well soon visit to the injured victims of the incident at the Barau Dikko Teaching hospital, where he donated the sum of 10 Million Naira for their upkeep.