Military Bombing: Army Chief Lagbaja visits Kaduna as NEMA reports 85 fatalities, 66 injuries
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has revealed that 85 individuals perished in one of Nigeria’s most devastating military bombing incidents when an airstrike conducted by the Army mistakenly targeted civilians in Tudun Biri village of Igabi Local Government Area in Kaduna State.
Halima Suleiman, the North-West zonal spokesperson of NEMA, said on Channels Television that in addition to the fatalities, 66 individuals sustained injuries as a result of the bombing on Sunday.
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NEMA further disclosed that the fatality count was obtained from local authorities following the victims’ burial on Monday.
She said the Northwest Zonal Office received confirmation that 85 deceased individuals were interred, while search and rescue efforts persist.
The Army has already taken responsibility for the tragic incident, thought it did not publicly disclose the casualty figures, community members said that 85 people, including women and children, lost their lives during the incident.
Similarly, the Chief of Army Staf Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja has paid a visit to Kaduna State to conduct an on-the-spot assessment of the community and extend condolences to the bereaved families.
Meanwhile, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed an investigation into the incident, and described the occurrence as regrettable, distressing, and grievous.