In a wave of public outcry, demonstrators yesterday besieged the National Assembly complex in Abuja, voicing their fury over Sunday’s drone strike in Kaduna State. This military blunder, one of Nigeria’s most catastrophic, mistakenly targeted civilians during a Muslim festival in the village of Tudun Biri.
The United Nations Human Rights Office has vehemently denounced the airstrike, marking it as the latest in a series of at least four since 2017, resulting in considerable civilian casualties. The Nigerian army admitted the drone erroneously hit Tudun Biri, escalating the death toll to 127, with 75 others receiving care at Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital.
According to a report by The Guardian, Seif Magango, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, demanded stringent measures from authorities. “It’s imperative that the military revise their engagement rules and procedures to avert future tragedies,” Magango stated.
In the forests of northwestern Nigeria, banditry has been a persistent threat. The military, misinterpreting a gathering as bandit activity, launched the ill-fated drone strike. Magango expressed alarm over the incident’s basis on ‘pattern of activities,’ questioning its compliance with international law. He urged a thorough investigation and accountability for any infringements of international law.
The incident’s aftermath saw distraught relatives thronging the Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital, desperate for news of their missing loved ones. Idris Dahiru, a survivor, recounted the ongoing admission of new patients, while Idris Yalo shared his traumatic experience and gratitude towards the state government’s support.
In Abuja, the demonstration lasted over two hours, with protestors demanding justice and urging Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru to act decisively or resign. Nasir Ishaku, representing the National Youth Council of Nigeria and Arewa Youth Movement, voiced frustration over the security situation under Badaru’s tenure.
Meanwhile, Bello Matawalle, Minister of State for Defence, visited the airstrike victims, conveying the Federal Government’s sympathies. Reiterating the government’s commitment, Matawalle declared the fight against terrorism would persist despite the tragedy.
Senator Abdul’aziz Yar’Adua, however, described the drone strike as an unfortunate error, opposing calls for the resignation of military leaders. He highlighted the need for improved coordination to prevent such incidents.
In a related development, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, sought U.S. support in Nigeria’s fight against insecurity and corruption, emphasizing the strategic importance of Nigeria-U.S. relations.
