Army officers accidentally end lives of 120 people at religious event

The death toll in Tudun Biri village bombing in Kaduna State has hit 120 as survivors allege they were bombed twice by the Nigerian army.

The deaths have been confirmed by officials from Amnesty International who visited the affected communities in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Tuesday, December 5.

This was after an airstrike meant to flush out terrorists on Sunday, December 3, accidentally hit civilians at a function in Tudun Biri village.

Nigerian president Bola Tinubu. Photo: Punch

The Nigerian Army has claimed responsibility for the incident.

Initially, the National Emergency Management Agency had on December 4 reported that 85 people were killed while 66 others were seriously injured.

The accidental bombing has been condemned by residents and political leaders, who called for the officers involved to be held accountable.

For instance, President Bola Tinubu, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar condoled with bereaved families, while calling for calm as investigations continue.

On the other hand, one of the survivors Saudatu Alamagani told The Punch that the community was bombed twice as Muslims were celebrating Maulud.

“The military started raining bombs on us’’, Saudatu told The Punch.

She added everybody scampered for safety as they mistook their attackers to be bandits.

Saudatu further explained that the military bombed the worshippers for the second time as they were trying to rescue the injured residents for treatment.

“It all started around 10pm when the military started bombing our community. We were celebrating Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.

“While we were looking for motorcycles to convey those that critically needed medical attention to the hospital, the military returned with the bombardment. “Many villagers including women, men, children, and even pregnant women were killed during the attack,” she explained.