A coalition of Islamic clerics in Kano State have condemned last Sunday killing of scores of Muslim worshippers by the Nigerian Army in Tudun Biri village of Igabi local government area of Kaduna State. They called for an independent investigation into the attack and adequate compensation for the survivors and families of those killed in the “mistaken” bombing of the crowd.
The leaders told newsmen through their leader Shaikh Abubakar Rabo Abdulkarim, under the Independent Sharia Implementation Committee of Kano said it was too early to declare the attack as a mistake without prior investigation.
They called for the establishment of an independent committee to investigate the circumstances behind the attack that should include experts on drones and representatives from all affected sections.
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He said, “it is not acceptable that such a mass killing would be declared as a mistake without any prior investigation to the killing in Kaduna State. It is too early to claim that it was a mistake. We see it as a deliberate attack on innocent Muslim worshippers by some vested interests within the army.
“We indeed appreciate the military and their efforts towards providing security but there are some elements within the military with some negative interests that must be fished out.
“Second, we seek compensation for the victims of the killings as prescribed by Islamic tenets because they are Muslims. Those that are injured should receive full treatment.
“Third, there should be an apology to Nigerians, the people of Kaduna and indeed the families of the victims expressing regrets and assurance that such will never repeat itself. This should be published in national media because it is not the first time Muslims are murdered for no reason as it happened in Benue and Maiduguri recently.
“We want those concerned to fish out those who are guilty of the mass killings so that they face the wrath of the law to serve as a deterrent to those who plan to do such in the future.”
The clerics are members of Izala, Kadiriyya, Tijjaniyya, Shi’a and others
Meanwhile, the Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has extended heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims of the atack.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, Barau joined calls for a thorough investigation into the incident as directed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
While urging the security forces to scrutinise the matter, he appealed to the relatives of the victims and good people of Kaduna State to remain calm.
In a statement by the special adviser on media and publicity, Ismail Mudashir, beseeched Allah to grant the victims Jannatul Firdaus and provide their families the strength to bear the irreparable loss.
Also yesterday, Kaduna State government has delivered relief items for distribution to the families affected by the unfortunate military airstrike.
The state government said the first batch of relief items were delivered by Kaduna State Emergency Management Agency and comprised of food, cooking oil, mattresses and blankets among others.
The executive secretary of Kaduna State Emergency Agency (SEMA), Dr Hayatu Mazadu, who disclosed this in Kaduna said additional supplies were underway to cater for the immediate needs of the affected communities.
