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 South-West Coordinating Deputy Inspector-General of Police (DIG), Adegoke Fayoade, has reassured Nigerians that the abducted pupils and teachers in Oyo State will soon regain their freedom as security agencies intensify rescue operations.
Speaking during an official working visit to the Lagos State Police Command Headquarters in Ikeja on Monday, Fayoade expressed confidence that ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and government authorities would yield positive results in the shortest possible time.
According to him, all available resources are being deployed to secure the safe release of the victims, while security operatives remain focused on rescue efforts rather than engaging in discussions about ransom demands.
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“All agencies, including government authorities, are working tirelessly. I can assure Nigerians that within the shortest possible time, the children and their teachers will be free,” the DIG stated.
Fayoade dismissed reports suggesting that the abductors had altered their demands, insisting that the police were unaware of any negotiations involving ransom payments or the release of suspected accomplices.
“We do not discuss ransom. Our priority is ensuring the safe rescue of those in captivity,” he said.
The senior police officer explained that his visit to Lagos was part of a broader strategy to strengthen supervision across police commands in the South-West and engage officers on effective approaches to tackling emerging security threats.
He disclosed that discussions with officers centered on manpower development, welfare improvement, and operational efficiency.
Fayoade noted that the ongoing recruitment of 40,000 police personnel would help address manpower shortages across the country, while improved welfare packages would boost officers’ morale and effectiveness.
The DIG also highlighted the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to adopting modern technology in crime fighting.
He revealed that efforts were underway to complete a central data centre that would enable security agencies to share intelligence and improve crime detection nationwide.
He added that the force was preparing to introduce artificial intelligence into criminal investigations and intelligence gathering to enhance policing and improve response times.
“Technology remains a major priority. Very soon, our officers will begin specialized training on the use of artificial intelligence in investigations and intelligence operations,” he said.
Fayoade further urged members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement agencies, stressing that effective policing requires mutual trust and respect between officers and citizens.
The assurance comes amid growing concern from parents and residents over the fate of the abducted pupils and teachers, with many hoping for a swift and safe resolution to the incident.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced his resignation on Monday after less than two years in office, in a term characterised by policy U-turns and deep public unpopularity.
“Every decision I have taken has been about putting the country I love first. That is why I will resign as leader of the Labour Party,” Starmer said as he choked up in an emotional speech outside 10 Downing Street.
Starmer said the process of picking a new leader for the centre-left party would be launched in July, and he would remain as prime minister until his successor is chosen, to be in place before parliament returns from the summer recess in September.
Starmer’s main rival, veteran politician Andy Burnham, is due to be sworn in as a member of parliament on Monday after winning a crucial special election on Thursday, allowing him to return to parliament and clearing his path to run for party leader.
“I will remain in post as prime minister until the contest is complete, and I will do everything I can to ensure an orderly handover of power,” Starmer added.
Until the weekend, Starmer had insisted he was going to fight on and remain as prime minister as he fought off challenges and calls to step down.
He has clung to that position for months after multiple scandals and high-profile resignations that piled the pressure on him and his Labour Party.
But Britain is now set to get its seventh prime minister in a decade.
Starmer’s widely anticipated announcement comes a day before the 10-year anniversary of the Brexit referendum, which triggered the UK’s exit from the European Union and an unprecedented churn of prime ministers.
Starmer has been credited with reshaping Labour into an election-winning party, which clinched a decisive victory in 2024, ending 14 years of Conservative rule.
But his term was derailed by missteps ranging from benefit cuts to criticism over defence spending plans.
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He was nearly ousted in March over his ill-fated decision to appoint Peter Mandelson, a known associate of the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, as the UK’s ambassador to Washington.
He has also struggled to fight off the rapid rise of the far-right, anti-immigration Reform UK party — which defeated Labour in local elections in May, further weakening Starmer’s position.
“I will also give my successor my full and unequivocal support, knowing that they will inherit a Britain that is far stronger and fairer than the one I inherited two years ago,” Starmer said in his resignation speech.
Courtesy – AFP
Gunmen have killed a former staff member of Ogun State Television, Mrs. Kitan Oyesiku, popularly known as “Aunty Kitan,” alongside her security guard in a violent early morning attack in Agodo community along the Abeokuta–Siun–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State.
The incident, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, threw residents of the area into panic and mourning as news of the killings spread across the community.
The victims were reportedly attacked inside their residence by unknown armed men who stormed the compound and carried out the operation before fleeing the scene.
SEE MORE: Midnight Horror in Kaduna: Gunmen Kill Nine, Injure 11 in Fresh Community Attack
The security guard on duty was also killed during the invasion.
The attack took place within the Abeokuta axis of Abeokuta, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in parts of the state.
The bodies of the deceased have since been deposited at the morgue of the State Hospital, Ijaiye, Abeokuta.
As of press time, the motive behind the attack remains unclear, while security agencies are expected to launch a full-scale investigation into the incident.
An anonymous source who spoke on the development said the incident was discovered after concerned church members went to check on the deceased when she failed to appear at church service.
The source said: “They had come around to check on Mrs Oyesiku when they did not see her in the church. On getting to her residence, they found out that the security officer had been killed, and they later also saw that the assailants had also killed Mrs Oyesiku. That was how they raised the alarm in the community.”
When contacted, the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command confirmed the incident and said an official statement would be issued after preliminary investigations.
Mrs. Oyesiku, a former broadcaster with the state-owned television station, was well known in media circles before her retirement.
Her death has sparked grief among colleagues, friends, and residents across Ogun State, as calls mount for improved security in the area.
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