Kaduna airstrike: NGF vows to ensure victims, survivors get justice, compensation

Military will punish personnel found culpable – CDS

The 19 northern governors, under the aegis of the Northern Governors’ Forum (NGF), have agreed to pursue justice for victims and survivors of Kaduna drone airstrike from the authorities concerned.

The governors also called for an investigation into the incident and hope that such unfortunate event never occurs again in the country.

The forum’s chairman and governor of Gombe State, Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya, disclosed this at the inaugural meeting of the forum in Kaduna yesterday.

The chairman urged the governors to hold a minute of silence for the victims of the airstrike, adding that the protection of lives and property was the responsibility of the government.

He commended the federal government for quick response taken since the incident happened.

Governor Inuwa also said a lot needed to be done by the federal government to bring an end to the menace of kidnapping, banditry and terrorism in the region.

“Security and development are connected, and we must address them collectively. Without security there would be no development because investors can only invest in an environment where their resources are secured,” he said.

In his remarks, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State said the northern region had been grappling with challenges of insecurity.

According to him, their human development indices have been declining.

“For the Northern Governors Forum to remain relevant, we must forge unity among our people and collaborate on issues of development. We must fashion a marshal plan for the development of the North,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, said those found culpable in the Kaduna killings at the end of an independent investigation ordered by President Bola Tinubu would be punished.

Fielding questions from journalists at his maiden interaction with the media, Musa said the incident was highly regrettable.

“The incident in Kaduna is highly regrettable, it should not have been. Our mandate is to protect civilians, not to kill, maim or destroy.

“At that particular time, we were in the heat of pursuing some bandits within that general area, and unfortunately, this happened.

“I am happy the commanderin-chief has instituted a committee to look into the incident and advise on how to move forward and how to prevent a recurrence.

“Whatever happens, we shall identify the casualties and arrange for compensation.

“If they are found guilty they will definitely face punishment; and I can assure you that we are going to be transparent about it,” he said.