NEWS
Kaduna On Edge After Army’s Fatal Bombing Error Kills Over 50
On Sunday night, the Nigerian Army mistakenly targeted Kurmin Biri village in Kaduna State, believing it was a bandits’ camp, resulting in the bombing of a Maulud event.
Tragically, this incident led to the loss of at least 50 lives among the villagers.
Additionally, 53 individuals sustained severe injuries and are currently hospitalized, undergoing treatment.
However, one survivor mentioned that the casualties might exceed 100.
Reports indicate that as the attendees attempted to aid the injured and transport them to a nearby health facility while also preparing for burials, another bomb was dropped by the returning aircraft, inflicting additional damage on the village.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) has denied involvement in the bombing of the village, distancing itself from the incident.
Following the tragic event, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has instructed a comprehensive investigation to prevent similar occurrences in the future.
In response, an emergency security meeting was convened by the governor, attended by representatives from various bodies including the Nigerian Army, the Commissioner of Police, Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Chairman of Jama’atul Nasril-Islam (JNI), Kaduna State chapter.
Moreover, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has conveyed their sorrow regarding the distressing situation.
In the meantime, the Arewa Youth Consultative Forum (AYCF) has labeled the incident as a sorrowful occurrence and urged for a comprehensive investigation into what they termed as an ‘avoidable mistake.’
Meanwhile, Major-General V. Okoro, the General Officer Commanding One Division Nigerian Army, provided a briefing to the Kaduna State Government.
He stated that the Nigerian Army was engaged in a routine mission against terrorists but inadvertently targeted and affected members of the Kurmin Biri village in Kaduna State.
According to a resident from the affected community, while Muslims were observing the Maulud event at Tudun Biri village in Igabi LGA of the state, a plane flying above the celebrants dropped a bomb that exploded, resulting in the loss of many lives.
According to him,”While we were picking the dead and trying to rush the injured to a nearby health facility, the plane returned and dropped a second bomb, causing further damage.”
Another local in the village said “We were celebrating Maulud when the jet dropped the bomb, resulting in the immediate death of more than 50 people.”
Samuel Aruwan, overseeing the Commissioner for the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs in Kaduna State, discussed the possibility of compensating the victims during an interview with the BBC Hausa Service.
He highlighted that only the military authorities possess the necessary information regarding their intelligence gathering before the tragic incident.
In a statement issued on Monday, Aruwan acknowledged the Kaduna State Government’s reception of briefings concerning the attack that led to the loss of several lives and injuries to others on Sunday night.
The statement reads “The Kaduna State Government has received briefings on Sunday night’s attack which left several citizens dead and others injured.
“In a meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, which had in attendance heads of security agencies, religious and traditional leaders, the Nigerian Army explained the circumstances which led to the unfortunate and unintended attack.
“The General Officer Commanding One Division Nigerian Army, Major V. Okoro, explained that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists but inadvertently affected members of the community.
“The Deputy Governor at the end of the meeting, conveyed the condolences of the government and people of Kaduna State to the families that lost their loved ones, and prayed for the repose of the victims’ souls.
“As of the time of this update, search-and-rescue efforts are still ongoing, as dozens of injured victims have been evacuated to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital by the government.
“Heads of security agencies, who attended the meeting include the Commissioner of Police, M.Y. Garba, and Director of DSS, Abdul Eneche. Chairman of Kaduna State Chapter of JNI, Prof. Shafi’u Abdullahi, led other religious leaders. Also present at meeting was the District Head of Rigasa, Alhaji Aminu Idris in whose domain the incident occurred,” he added.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
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PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
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Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
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Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
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