There was a nationwide uproar on Monday following an unintended bombing in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State by the Nigerian Army on Sunday, leading to the tragic death of numerous villagers.

According to reports, the military mistakenly dropped bombs during a celebration of Maulud, an Islamic event, as they wrongly identified the villagers as terrorists.

The incident has received widespread condemnation from both local and international communities.

In an official statement, Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed that the Army took responsibility for the airstrike. However, the exact number of casualties remains disputed.

While the National Emergency Management Agency reported a death toll of 85 in a statement on their official Facebook page, Senator Shehu Sani, who initially raised the alarm about the incident, claimed that the airstrike killed around 150 individuals, including women and children.

Expressing his dismay, Sani described the incident as horrendous and a mass murder, demanding that those responsible be held accountable for their actions.

Bashir Ahmed, former media aide to the immediate past President Muhammadu Buhari, also questioned how the army could mistakenly “kill 126 innocent souls.” He called for an explanation from the Nigerian Army and emphasized the need for measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

A security expert, Mr. Akogwu John, expressed shock at the incident, highlighting the lack of proper surveys before launching the attack. He called for transparency and accountability, urging the army to identify and thoroughly question those involved in the operation.

The incident has raised concerns about the military’s negligence and the disregard for civilian lives. Calls for justice and preventive measures have echoed throughout the nation, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.