Condolence message on the Tudun Biri incident

Ireceived with rude shock the sad news of the accident which occurred in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of our great state; Kaduna.

Friendly fire does occur in military operations, particularly when and where there may be intelligence failure. This is not peculiar to our society. Although the incidence appears to have some level of carelessness and/ or recklessness, human and/or machine errors are known to occur and reoccur often.

The recent incident in Kaduna calls for caution and calm in understanding the problem as well as the challenges facing the military in general. We note with concern the interventions of governments to conduct a fullscale investigation, which should not be limited to the incident but should include the source of the drone ie the UAV, the suppliers, the maintenance as well as the operations of the machine.

We appreciate the level of concern shown by various government agencies, organizations, and functionaries since the unfortunate incident. The promises of assistance to the families of the victims and the survivors are also encouraging and welcomed. However, governments must ensure that the intended assistance are not diverted.

On behalf of myself and my family, I wish to commiserate with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Sen Uba Sani, HRH The Emir of Zazzau, the Chairman of Igabi Local Government Area as well as the entire citizens of Kaduna State, particularly the families of those affected by the unfortunate incidence.

Finally, now that we are aware of our military’s capabilities to launch such an attack, Nigerian citizens would require a definitive solution or date when bandits would be crushed by our armed forces.