The Nigerian Army has taken responsibility for Sunday’s air strike that killed many villagers injuring several others at Tudun Biri village in Kaduna State.
The Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan , confirmed the development at the end of an emergency security meeting on Monday.
The meeting, which was chaired by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Balarabe, had in attendance the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command of the Nigerian Air Force.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has denied involvement in the deadly bombing.
Earlier reports claimed that a jet operated by NAF had dropped a bomb around 9pm on Sunday, when villagers gathered for Maulud celebration, leaving several casualties.
Reacting to this claim, the Air Force spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, noted that NAF has not carried out any air operation in Kaduna within the last 24 hours.
Commodore Gabkwet further asserted that NAF is not the only Service operating combat armed drones within the region.
Below is the full text of the statement:
THE NAF HAS NOT UNDERTAKEN ANY AIR OPERATIONS IN KADUNA STATE IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
The news making the rounds alleging 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