A religious celebration in Kaduna state, north-west Nigeria took a tragic turn on Sunday evening when an air strike killed at least 85 civilians. The incident occurred during a routine military operation against terrorists and bandits, but the military drone mistakenly targeted the gathering of villagers from Tundun Biri. The defence ministry has labeled the incident as a “needless tragedy,” and the state Governor, Uba Sani, has ordered an investigation into what happened.
According to eyewitnesses, there were two attacks. The first bomb was dropped on the venue of the festival, resulting in the destruction and death of many people, including women and children. The second bomb targeted those who went to retrieve the bodies of the victims from the initial blast. The aftermath of the bombing was gruesome, with bodies scattered everywhere, and some women died while holding their babies.
This is not the first time the Nigerian military has been accused of causing civilian casualties during operations against militia gangs. The government has designated these gangs as “terrorists.” In fact, a recent report by SB Morgen, a research firm, revealed that over 300 people have been accidentally killed by Nigerian forces in strikes since 2017.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the safety of civilians during military operations. It highlights the need for improved training and intelligence gathering to prevent such tragic mistakes from happening in the future.
Governor Sani’s decision to launch an investigation is commendable, as it demonstrates a commitment to identifying the causes of the incident and holding those responsible accountable. The investigation should aim to provide justice to the victims and their families, as well as determine the necessary measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
Furthermore, this incident should prompt a review of military protocols and strategies to ensure that civilian lives are protected during operations. It is crucial for the Nigerian military to strike a balance between effectively targeting terrorists and bandits while minimizing harm to innocent civilians.
The international community should also closely monitor the investigation and advocate for justice and accountability. Human rights organizations and foreign governments should use their influence to push for transparency and ensure that the findings of the investigation are made public.
Moreover, this tragic incident raises questions about the need for increased international support and cooperation in addressing Nigeria’s security challenges. The Nigerian government should actively seek assistance from the international community in terms of training, intelligence sharing, and capacity building to effectively combat terrorism and protect civilians.
In conclusion, the air strike during a religious festival in Nigeria has had a devastating impact, resulting in the loss of numerous innocent lives. The incident highlights the urgent need for improved military protocols, intelligence gathering, and international cooperation to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future. The investigation launched by Governor Sani is a step in the right direction towards accountability and justice for the victims and their families. It is imperative that lessons are learned from this incident to ensure the safety and well-being of Nigerian civilians during military operations.
