Army Chief Visits Tudun Biri, Offers Apology and Support to Drone Strike Victims

Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, visited the Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State today, Tuesday, 5 December 2023.

In a statement released by Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations, on X (formerly Twitter), he noted that the Army Chief’s visit is a testament to the commitment to rectify and support those affected by this unforeseen tragedy.

General Lagbaja extended his condolences to Chairman Jamaa’atu Nasru Islam, Kaduna State Prof Shafiu Abdullahi, and other clerics affected by the incident. 

He also visited the Barua Dikko Teaching Hospital in Anguwan Rimi, Kaduna, expressing concern for the victims’ recovery and offering immediate provisions for their welfare.

Accompanied by Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, General Lagbaja engaged with community leaders, including the Dangaladima Zazau and the District Head of Rigasa, Architect Aminu Idris.

In his address, the COAS conveyed deep remorse, terming the mishap a truly disheartening occurrence.

The Army Chief acknowledged the history of armed banditry that plagued Tudun Biri and its surrounding areas. He recounted the military’s efforts to cleanse the region of this menace through aerial patrols. 

However, he acknowledged a grave error in judgment during one such operation, leading to the recent drone strike on what was mistakenly perceived as a threat.

Expressing personal dismay, General Lagbaja offered sincere apologies on behalf of the Nigerian Army to the affected community, the Government, and the people of Kaduna State. He assured a comprehensive investigation to identify the deficiencies that led to this inadvertent tragedy. 

Architect Aminu Idris, the District Head of Rigasa, praised the Army’s integrity in accepting responsibility for the drone strike. 

He appealed for the Army’s intervention in aiding the hospitalized victims and supporting the bereaved community, emphasizing its diverse composition of both Muslim and Christian members.

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Oluwasegun Sanusi

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