The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj -Gen. Edward Buba, has clarified that actually, two personnel of the Nigerian Army are facing a court martial in respect of the bombing incident at Tudun Biri in Kaduna State.
Initial reports by NAN claimed that 12 personnel were facing court martial, based on an early media briefing.
NEWSDIARYONLINE reports that Buba afterwards issued a written clarification titled:UPDATE ON THE TUDUN BIRI AIRSTRIKE OF 3 DEC 2023
- In it, Buba said “The outcome of investigations into the Tudun Biri incident that occurred in Kaduna State indicates that it was indeed a sad event that shouldn’t have occurred. The military has conducted a painstaking investigation into the incident and has initiated disciplinary action against those culpable.
- “Accordingly, the affected 2 personnel are to face a court martial for acts of ommission or commission with respect to the incident. It therefore would be adjudged as prejudicial to speak further on the case, since it is before a court.
- “Nevertheless, it must be made clear that the incident was a mistake. The victims of the strike were mistaken for terrorist. However, on this note, on behalf of the CDS, officers and personnel of the AFN. Our condolences goes out to the families and loved ones of all those killed by the sad air strike.
- “It is hoped that there would be no repeat of strikes on non combatants in ongoing operations. The military will take extra precautions in the future to ensure that non combatants are safe.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that 85 civilians were on Dec. 3, 2023, mistakenly killed in military drone attacks in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Buba said that the military would punish personnel found culpable in the Dec. 3 incident, adding that investigation was conducted and concluded with a resolve to ensure that the personnel involved were brought to book and justice served for the victims.
With reports By Sumaila Ogbaje of NAN
