Tudun Biri Blast: Security Expert Calls Drone Strike on Civilians “Deadly Intentional Act,” Demands Investigation
By Mustapha Salisu
A security expert and human rights advocate has condemned the recent accidental bombing by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) on unarmed civilians at Tudun Biri, Igabi Lga of Kaduna state, calling it a “deadly intentional act.”
Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, Country Director of the International Human Rights Commission in Nigeria, demanded a thorough investigation to identify who provided the information that led to the attack on the civilians. He also questioned the chain of command and decision-making process behind the drone strike.
Bakoji explained that drone technology utilizes a 360-degree camera with scanner capabilities. This system analyzes objects on the ground, captures their images, and transmits them to the control room for verification before any action is taken.
“The drone camera has night vision, It can clearly differentiate between armed and unarmed individuals, even in the dark. There is no way the controller could deny receiving images showing the civilian nature of the gathering” Bakoji emphasized.
He further argued that drones are specifically designed to engage dangerous criminal hideouts that are inaccessible to fighter jets due to the threat of anti-aircraft weaponry.
Bakoji acknowledged the ongoing banditry activity in the area but questioned how citizens can feel safe when both bandits and the security forces they rely on pose a threat to their lives.
He urged journalists and stakeholders to unite against what he described as a deliberate act of violence against innocent civilians.
“Similar incidents in Maiduguri, Nasarawa, and Katsina states have been recorded, which remain unresolved and contribute to a climate of fear and distrust” the Expert worried.
Bakoji calls for compensation of the victims and their families with a swift prosecution of those responsible. He believes this is crucial to preventing future tragedies and maintaining peace and unity in Nigeria.
Recall the tragic event occurred on Sunday, December 3rd, 2023, at approximately 9:00 PM, as villagers in Tudun Biri gathered to celebrate Maulud. The attack resulted in numerous casualties and has left the community deeply traumatized.
