Many villagers are feared dead following a bomb allegedly dropped by a Nigerian Air Force jet during a Maulud celebration at Tudun Biri, a community within Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Details of the incident still remain sketchy, preliminary reports indicate that about 30 people died during the incident on Sunday, around 9:00 pm.
Residents said that the alleged bomb from the airport struck while the villagers gathered to commemorate Maulud in the village.
According to eyewitnesses “They were celebrating Maulud (birth of Prophet Muhammad) when the jet dropped the bomb, resulting in the immediate death of more than 30 people,” a resident said.
There is reported apprehension that the death toll may increase.
When reached for comment, Samuel Aruwan, Overseeing Commissioner of the State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, did not provide casualty figures, stating that the government would address the media in a press conference at the Government House.
“We will address the press at Government House on the situation because there would be a security meeting later. So, let’s meet by 10 am,” he said.
The Nigerian Airforce has however denied conducting any Airstrikes or interdiction mission in the area withing the last 24 Hours.
The Airforce in a Statement signed by its Spokesperson, Edward Gabkwet, adding that it is not the only one operating combat drones in the Northwestern part of Nigeria.
Read Full Statement Below…
THE NAF HAS NOT UNDERTAKEN ANY AIR OPERATIONS IN KADUNA STATE IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
The news making the rounds aledging that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft accidentally killed innocent civilians in Kaduna is false. Please be informed that the NAF has not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours. Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the North western region of Nigeria.
It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press with unverified and unconfirmed reports.
Thank you.
Edward Gabkwet
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
3 December 2023
