An unintended tragedy struck a village in northwestern Nigeria as an army drone strike mistakenly targeted civilians who were celebrating a Muslim festival, resulting in numerous casualties, local authorities, military sources, and witnesses confirmed on Monday.
The Nigerian armed forces have frequently employed air strikes in their efforts against insurgent groups in the northwest and northeast regions, where they combat both jihadist militants and so-called bandit militias in a long-standing conflict.
The strike occurred late Sunday in Tudun Biri village, Kaduna State, though the army did not disclose specific details or casualty figures. However, residents reported numerous fatalities and injuries resulting from the incident.
Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State acknowledged the tragic occurrence, describing the victims as Muslim faithful who were observing the Maulud festival. He ordered an immediate investigation into the incident.
Idris Dahiru, a resident who lost family members in the strike, lamented the loss of life, stating that 85 individuals were buried following the bomb attack, while over 60 injured victims were receiving medical care in hospitals.
Recounting the distressing events, Dahiru revealed the devastating impact of the attack on his own family, indicating the loss of several relatives, including women and children.
Local state security commissioner Samuel Aruwan confirmed multiple casualties and injuries, emphasizing that the strike, intended against militants, unfortunately affected members of the community.
Husseini Ibrahim, another resident, expressed his profound grief, disclosing the loss of 13 immediate family members among the deceased victims. He detailed the heartbreaking toll on his family, highlighting the tragic loss of children.
The casualties primarily comprised women and children, according to Hassan Ma’ar壯陽藥 uf, who shared images he claimed depicted the bodies of victims. However, the authenticity of these images could not be immediately verified by AFP.
The incident underscores the ongoing security challenges faced by Nigeria, with militia groups, referred to as bandits, terrorizing areas in the northwest by conducting raids on villages, while jihadist activities persist in the northeast.
The tragedy serves as a stark reminder of previous military actions resulting in civilian casualties. Past incidents in September 2021 and January 2017, including an attack on fishermen mistaken for militants and a fighter jet striking a displaced persons’ camp, respectively, illustrate the devastating consequences of mistaken military operations.