The Conference of the Civil Societies, on Friday, cautioned against attempts to adduce political, religious and regional inclinations to the unfortunate accidental drone bombing that took place in Tudun Biri village, Igabi local government area of Kaduna State.
The coalition during a press conference, however, said they look forward to a thorough and transparent investigation on the incident as ordered by President Bola Tinubu.
Chairperson of Conference, Adams Otakwu, who also doubles as the coordinator of Civil–Military Cooperation (CIMICO), said the sad incident, which led to the loss of innocent lives and several others wounded in a community with a mix of Muslims and Christians, can best be described as unfortunate and a loss to Nigeria not just to Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area or Kaduna state.
He said: “The Conference of Civil Societies and Coordinator ofCivil-Military Cooperation (CIMICO) in Nigeria, following her National Round Table in Abuja, to discuss the Nigerian Army Drone strike of 3rd December 2023 in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, maintains as follows:
“Such an incident that led to the loss of innocent lives and several others wounded in a community with a mix of Muslims and Christians [as noted by the district head of the community, Arc Aminu Idris] can best be described as unfortunate and a loss, not just to TudunBiri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state or a single faith, but to the country at large.
“Hence, we commiserate with the immediate community, the state and the entire nation, and urge for restraint on the part of groups and individuals politicising, regionalising or religionising the incident.
“As the voice and conscience of the masses, we note the promptness with which the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Army Staff visited to condole with the community, where the Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, on behalf of the Nigerian Army apologised and made provisions for upkeep and medical care of those wounded.
“This goes to underscore responsibility by the Nigerian Army, and we urge on all Nigerians as well as the international community to extend condolences, benevolences and prayers to the people of Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State at this trying moment, in addition to the responses by the Kaduna State Government, Civil Society, Armed Forces, Ministers of Defence and the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“As watchdog of the society, we caution and call on those stoking needless tensions around the incident to desist forthwith, as we look forward to a thorough and transparent investigation as ordered by the President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Again, this is not a political, regional or religious issue, and should not be projected or interpreted as such, in the interest of national harmony, peace and security,” he stated.
