From Sola Ojo, Kaduna
The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN) has described last Sunday’s bombing in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government area of Kaduna State as one too many.
The SCSN Secretary-General, Nafi’u Baba Ahmad, while reacting to the incident, noted that such unintended bombing of civilian populations kept reoccurring because there have not been sanctions for those found guilty of similar happenings in the past.
Said he: “Nigerians were once again woken up, shocked with the unfortunate news of yet another inexcusable bombing of innocent civilians in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government of Kaduna State.
“The latest callous attack on this community has claimed the lives of more than 90 people, with over 70 injured. The Nigerian military, with a straight face, claimed responsibility and, as usual, claimed it was an error in operation.
“But this is one mistake too many, with no evidence of any sanction or accountability,” he said. He noted that in 2017 a similar “error” occurred at a refugee camp in Borno State where many lives were annihilated and hundreds of casualties recorded.
“Similarly in June this year (2023), a group of Fulani with their cattle were bombed and perished in Nasarawa State. All these attacks were said to be ‘a mistake’ by the Nigerian security operatives. Civilians are being exterminated like mosquitoes.
“Enough is enough of these grievous “mistakes” in which hundreds of innocent lives are being lost and millions of naira worth of property destroyed. These incidents raise serious questions about the integrity of the intelligence before actions are taken.
“We therefore call on the Nigerian military to as a matter of urgency, thoroughly investigate what happened and bring the culprits to book. They should also look into the plight of the victims of Tudun Biri bombardment and pay compensation (Diyyah) to the families of those affected.
“In addition, those behind these series of recurring mistakes must be held accountable. This will serve as a deterrent.”