CONCERNS ABOUT “ACCIDENTAL” ARMY BOMBING IN KADUNA ARE RAISED BY THE NORTHERN ELDERS FORUM

The Nigerian Army’s recent “accidental” airstrike in Tundun Biri, Kaduna State, which claimed civilian lives, has deeply alarmed the Northern Elders Forum (NEF).

The forum is demanding that the horrific tragedy be thoroughly investigated.

The NEF is highlighting the significance of civilian safety in combat zones through its Director of Publicity and Advocacy, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman, in light of the tragedy that resulted in the loss of several innocent lives.

Suleiman pointed out that the Kaduna State government has promised to compensate the victims of the military strike and has acknowledged the seriousness of the situation.

Beyond providing recompense for the victims, he added, “a comprehensive inquiry is necessary to guarantee justice for the impacted civilians, stop similar incidents in the future, and preserve the fundamentals of international humanitarian law and human rights.

“The investigation can establish if any misconduct or negligence occurred and hold those accountable by identifying the causes and circumstances surrounding the incident.”This will build confidence between the military and the civilian populace by giving the victims a sense of closure and recompense.

Suleiman asserts that in order to stop future occurrences of this kind of unintentional bombing, a comprehensive inquiry of the situation is necessary.

According to the NEF spokeswoman, the investigation could find any training deficiencies, systemic flaws, or insufficient processes that might have contributed to the catastrophe by examining the events that preceded the tragedy.

With this information, he added, the military will be able to enact the required changes, including better coordination, increased intelligence collection, and more stringent adherence to the rules of engagement.

“These steps will reduce the possibility of unintentional bombings and safeguard civilian lives while conducting military operations,” said Suleiman. An inquiry is compliant with both international humanitarian law and human rights norms.

“NEF expresses its condolences to the families of the affected civilians and the government of Kaduna State for this regrettable and unfortunate incident.”