Africa (Commonwealth Union) _ In northwestern Nigeria, a village faced tragedy as an army drone strike intended for militants accidentally hit during Muslim festival celebrations. The armed forces often employ airstrikes against bandit militias in Nigeria’s northwest and northeast, where a 14-year conflict with jihadists persists. The drone strike in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna State, occurred on Sunday, causing numerous civilian casualties. While the army did not disclose details or a death toll, residents reported dozens killed and wounded.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State acknowledged the incident, stating that Muslim faithful observing Maulud were mistakenly targeted during a military drone attack aimed at terrorists and bandits. The governor ordered an investigation into the tragic incident. Residents, including Idris Dahiru, recounted the horrifying experience, with more than 60 injured individuals receiving treatment in hospitals. Dahiru, who lost several relatives, described the sequence of bombings, highlighting the devastating impact on families.
Local authorities, including the state security commissioner Samuel Aruwan, confirmed fatalities and reported that dozens of wounded individuals were taken to a teaching hospital in Kaduna. The army, characterizing the strike as a routine mission against militants, acknowledged the inadvertent impact on the community.
Husseini Ibrahim, a resident who lost 13 family members, emphasized the toll on civilians, especially women and children. Images shared by residents depicted the aftermath, although AFP could not immediately confirm their authenticity. The incident underscores the longstanding terror inflicted by militia gangs, known as bandits, in northwest Nigeria, causing havoc and kidnapping residents for ransom.
In the northeast, jihadists, though pushed back from their peak territory, continue to pose a threat. The toll of the conflict since 2009 is staggering, with over 40,000 lives lost and two million displaced. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, prioritizing security, seeks to address the issue and attract foreign investment.
This tragic incident is not the first time Nigerian military operations have led to civilian casualties. Past incidents, such as a 2021 attack on fishermen and a 2017 airstrike on a displaced camp, highlight the challenges of distinguishing between combatants and innocent civilians, underscoring the need for precision and safeguards in military actions.
