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Tag: Kaduna

  • Reps probe Kaduna drone bombings, seek compensation for victims

    Reps probe Kaduna drone bombings, seek compensation for victims

    The House of Representatives has mandated its committee on Army to investigate the unfortunate Tudun Biri village drone bombings in Kaduna that killed innocent citizens.

    This will enable the committee to assess the damage done and ensuring adequate compensation of the victims and survivors. 

    It also mandated the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to provide the necessary relief materials to the families of the victims and survivors to ameliorate their induced sufferings.

    The House, which observed a minute of silence in honour of the victims of the Tudun Biri Village bombings, constituted a committee to pay a condolence visit to the families of the victims and survivors.

    These resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent importance moved by Hon Umar Shehu Ajilo.

    Read Also: Kaduna, Kwara, Lagos, four others named most viable states

    The House was concerned about the recent unfortunate incident of military bombings of innocent unarmed civilians in Tudun Biri village that has resulted in the loss of several lives, many of whom were women and children.

    It said it was most worrisome is the intermittent reoccurrence of this unfortunate incidents by the same military constitutionally responsible for the defence and protection of the lives and properties of Nigerians.

    It noted that this particular incident and many similar incidents in the past which have been widely tagged as ‘operational mistakes’ by the military has exposed the level of intelligence failure in the Military operations. 

    The House said it must rise to the occasion to ensure that this marks the end of the series of mistakes that more often than not go uninvestigated and the victims uncompensated.

    It further noted that as duly elected representatives of the people, the 10th Assembly must not only join in condoling and condemning the wanton act but also ensure that the families of the victims and survivors of this unfortunate incident are well compensated by the government.

  • Sani promises even development of Kaduna

    Sani promises even development of Kaduna

    The Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani on Sunday attended Kaduna Unity Christmas Carol organized by the Kaduna State chapter of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA), English Service, Sabon Tasha, Chikun Local Government Area.

    Addressing the congregation, Governor Sani said that his government will develop every part of Kaduna State, without giving ethnic or religious consideration to siting of development projects.

    He said: “One of the most important agenda of our government is to ensure that we carry our people along. Human capital development is the most important thing. And today, I discussed with them, as I did in every forum. I try to make it clear to the people of Kaduna State that we are not concerned with any religious or ethnic differences. We are one family and we are going to work together without segregation or discrimination.

    “There is no essence of governance if you cannot provide amenities to the people of Kaduna State. For me, that is key.

    Another area we are looking at is trying to take development to rural areas of Kaduna State. That is why our current budget is a ‘Budget of Rural Transformation and Inclusive Development,’ so, we are going to take development to all rural areas of the state.”

    He added: “We have set aside money in our budget to support our women and youths who are entrepreneurs. We will reach deserving people who are poor, vulnerable, and underserved through our religious, community, and Non-Governmental Organisations because politicians are always looking at the next election”

    Read Also: Shettima hails youths as ‘pillars of today’ at awards gala

    “When I was sworn in, I tried as much as possible to carry everybody along. So, when I was invited for the Christmas Carroll, I came because when I was young, we used to participate in such kind of activities.”

    “When I was young, we used to participate in such kind of activities. My father usually encourages me to attend all Christmas carols because most of our family friends are Christians. There is nothing new here. I enjoyed my coming, and I am happy when I see the citizens of Kaduna who are in this very important celebration highly happy. They are confident that Kaduna State Government would carry everyone along and will try to take development to every part of the State”.

    The governor assured the gathering of his family’s commitment to celebrating Christmas with Christians in the government house.

    Earlier, Kaduna State CAN Chairman, Rev. John Joseph Hayab told the congregation that unlike what was experienced before, Governor Uba has indeed shown that he is Governor of all and will be fair and just to all.

    He urged Christians to continue to pray for the success of the government and be obedient to its authority always as instructed by the scriptures.

  • FG warns southern Kaduna communities against illegal mining

    FG warns southern Kaduna communities against illegal mining

    Ministry of Solid Minerals Development has sensitised communities and other critical stakeholders in the southern part of Kaduna state on the dangers of engaging and allowing illegal mining activities in their localities.

    The meeting, which was organized by the northwest office of the Ministry of Solid Minerals in Kafanchan, Jamaa Local government, brought some mining stakeholders together from the zone, brainstormed and chatted a way forward for effective and sustainable development in the mining sector.

    While presenting his Paper at the Towhall meeting, the acting zonalines Coordinator of the North West Kaduna, engineer, Kutman Hosea Ali explained that the ministry was committed to enhance collaboration and understanding among all stakeholders by fostering a conducive environment for sustainable mining activities.

    Ali noted that Southern Kaduna was an emerging mining zone, hence the need for sensitization.

    He said: “We are here on behalf of the minister who directed that a meeting of this nature shou6be held in Kaduna and Kafanchan in particular.

    “This is because Southern Kaduna is coming up as an active mining zone; it’s active in the sense that lithium, which is becoming a hot cake globally, is found predominantly here”

    “That is why we have come to sensitise the communities and the mining companies to their responsibilities to each other,” he stated.

    Earlier in his paper presentation, an operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission from Kaduna command, Mr Eric Billy reminded all stakeholders at the Townhall meeting that, illegal Mining is an economic crime that must be reported and offenders must face the consequences of his action.

    “People should try and get the requisite license, because there are a lot of them involved in this illegal licensing and when EFCC go after them they will complain of witch hunting only for deeper investigation to reveal they are culpable”,he narrated.

    He also cautioned those with the mining license to also operate within the scope of the permission given to them.

    The Chief of Moroa, Mr Tagwai Sambo expressed delight with the Townhall Sensitization to the people and promised to always preach peace to his subjects.

    Monday Barau, who spoke on behalf of mining companies in Kaduna, attributed the poor contribution of the sector to Nigeria’s economy to illegal mining. He however solicited the support of stakeholders to reposition the mining sector and maximise its potential.

  • Ball game in Kaduna

    Ball game in Kaduna

    Authorities in Kaduna State have hit on a terminal cure for errant libido of rapists. Male rapists in the state will have their balls cut off, while female rapists will be de-fertilised by having both of their fallopian tubes removed.

    State Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, Hajiya Rabi Salisu, recently said male rapists would be subjected to surgical castration as punishment, while female rapists would be made to undergo bilateral salpingectomy. These penalties, according to her, are stipulated in the state’s Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPPL), 2018, implying they have been in the statute books and will now be enforced.

    Speaking at a press conference in Kaduna after a parley with stakeholders organised in collaboration with the Centre for Integrated Health Programs (CIHP), Hajiya Salisu said the law was enacted following a lengthy process of advocacy, lobbying and awareness campaign by civil society groups in the state working with relevant government agencies. Rape cases in Nigeria are notoriously under-reported, but the commissioner said  there had been more reported cases of violence against women and girls (VAWG) in Kaduna State since the passage of the VAPPL in December 2018. This, according to her, is attributable to increased awareness about VAWG campaign and availability of the castration law.

    Read Also; Sanwo-Olu promises medical palliatives to residents

    Those penalties stipulated by the Kaduna codebook may ordinarily appear harsh, but rape is such a monstrous offence against hapless victims that perpetrators deserve the worst that they get. Surgical castration for a male rapist will involve emasculating the offender by excising his testicles. Chemical castration that involves using pharmaceutical drugs to deactivate the testes could be tidier, but apparently would be less painful to the rapist. Similarly for the female rapist, bilateral salpingectomy will involve removal of both fallopian tubes, translating to terminal birth control for the offender. Unilateral salpingectomy, which is the removal of only one fallopian tube, would be more benign since medical authorities say a person can get pregnant with only one fallopian tube.  But the Kaduna law stipulates taking out both tubes, which is female equivalent of male castration.

    And you really can’t blame the Kaduna government for going for the rapist’s procreative jugular. The offence is highly dastardly because it not only affrontingly violates the victim, it as well leaves many victims in a psychological prison of forced silence out of fear of social stigma should the violation be reported. The offence is therefore sufficiently grievous that it isn’t asking for too much if other states borrow a leaf from the Kaduna law. Cut off the rapist’s balls!

  • Kaduna farmers trade N8b Vitamin A maize

    Kaduna farmers trade N8b Vitamin A maize

    The Country Director of HarvestPlus, Dr Yusuf Dollah has said over N8 billion worth of Vitamin A maize was traded in Kaduna State, thereby  creating markets for the small holder farmers.

    Dollah, who made this known at the 9th edition of the Nutrition and Food Fair held in Kaduna State with the theme: ‘Transforming Food System for Improved Nutrition and Climate Resilience’, said the finding was done through a  survey conducted in the state.

    While noting that  they received funding from Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and AGRA to strengthen markets because they realised the constraints farmers face as a result of poor seed, he said the bio fortified value chain in Nigeria is a multibillion naira industry which should be prioritised.

    He said they are working with the funding with AGRA and FCDO to ensure that they strengthen market linkages so that the farmer can convert his produce to cash whenever wants.

    He said: ‘’Between the months of June, July and August. We did a market survey and we collected data in Kaduna State here from Soba Market, Makarfi, Lere , Saminaka, Kubau, Pancho. Now within these 3 months, over N8 billion of grains Vitamin A Maize was traded in the states and these is creating markets for the small holder farmers”, he said.

    ‘’In Nigeria, HarvestPlus promotes vitamin A Cassava, Vitamin A Maize Iron and Zinc enriched Millet, the Vitamin A enriched sweet potatoes and they also commenced work on developing Zinc rice, which will be released soon.

     ”As we develop these varieties, we enure that we don’t leave the varieties on the shelves at the research Institute.

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    We ensure that we bring out these varieties so that our seeds companies who are into commercializations will have access to the early generation seeds for them to multiply it and sell to the Agro dealers in our communities so that our farmers who are producers in the communities also have access to these seeds from the Agro dealer shops.

     The Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Balarabe in her remarks, said satistics from several sources have shown that Nigeria occupies a not so enviable position in the world which regards to rate of stunting and underweight.

    She called for the need to create and adopt innovative and evidence based solutions that can enhance the production, processing, marketing and consumption of nutritious and climate smart foods.

     In his remarks, the Minister of State for Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Sabi Abdullahi said Nigeria has the second largest burden of stunted children in the world.

    “With a national prevalence rate of 32 per cent children under 5 which is estimated at 2 million children who suffer from severe acute malnutrition but only two out of every 10 children affected are currently reached with any treatment,” he said.

  • Kaduna bomb misfire: Anglican bishop warns against politicisation of Tudun Birin incident

    Kaduna bomb misfire: Anglican bishop warns against politicisation of Tudun Birin incident

    • Obi pays condolence visit to victims
    • Tinubu’s daughter donates N5m to survivors

    The Anglican Bishop of Wusasa Diocese in Zaria, Kaduna State, Buba Lamido, has warning against the politicisation of last week’s error bombing at Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

    In a statement, Lamido said the incident was not a targeted at Muslims.

    The cleric recalled that a similar incident occurred in 2017 where a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) accidentally bombed Rann IDP camp in Borno State, where 250 persons died.

    He said the Borno incident “didn’t witness this same hysteria that we are witnessing today”.

    The statement said: “The Anglican Bishop of Wusasa Diocese, His Grace Most Reverend Dr. Buba Ali Lamido, has expressed deep grief over the accidental bombing at Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State that claimed over 85 lives and scores of injured people and worry at attempts by some religious groups to mischievously paint what was an accident as an agenda targeted at Muslims.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, Muslims and Christians were killed in the attack, for which the Nigerian Army has claimed responsibility and duly apologised for.

    “We Northerners must be careful not to demoralise the Armed Forces in the renewed war against terrorists because the war is far from over. We know for a fact that war is a very human endeavour, and mistakes inevitably will occur.

    “We are aware of the 2017 multiple bombing of the Rann IDP camp in Borno State, by the Nigerian Air Force, which killed over 250 people and we didn’t witness this same hysteria that we are witnessing today.

    “I don’t want to conclude that the deafening silence then had to do with the fact that the president and service chiefs were all Muslims. Every life is precious. The death of Christians, Muslims and even of none adherents of both faith, is without doubt painful.

    “But when the outrage is targeted at the President, because he is from the South or service chiefs, because of their tribe and faith, we have a duty to condemn these narratives, which clearly have nothing to do with the sad loss. The lives of the poor must not only be important, when we can use them to further our political agenda.”

    Also, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in this year’s general election, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged the Federal Government to adequately fund the military and other security agencies to enhance their operations.

    Read Also: Kaduna bombing: Tinubu’s daughter visits victims, donates N5m to injured survivors

    Obi said this when he visited the victims of the error bombing at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna.

    He regretted that the country had recorded 16 accidental military bombings that claimed over 500 lives with nothing being done to avert a recurrence.

    The former Anambra State governor urged the government to support the military to ensure that such incidents do not recur.

    Also, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s daughter, Mrs. Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, yesterday commiserated with the people and government of Kaduna State over the error bombing at Tudun Biri.

    Mrs. Tinubu-Ojo, who visited the injured survivors at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, also donated N5 million towards their recuperation.

    She spent time with the victims in the various wards, expressing her sympathies and praying for the souls of the departed.

    The President’s daughter also donated food items to the victims, calling for justice for the victims.

    She also visited the Kaduna Government House where she and her entourage met Governor Uba Sani behind closed-doors.

  • Kaduna Drone attack victims will get justice – Sultan

    Kaduna Drone attack victims will get justice – Sultan

    Dr Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of Jama’atu Nasrul Islam (JNI), says the council will seek justice for victims of the accidental drone attack in Kaduna State.

    The Sultan gave the assurance during the annual JNI Central Council Conference held in Minna on Monday, just as the Federal Government further apologised over the  mishap.

    “As strong Muslims, we take it as the will of Allah such things happened; we will look at what we can do to those who were affected, we will follow it up to see that justice is done.

    “We are not looking for anybody, but we want justice to be done to anybody. As Muslims we all felt sad about what happened,” he said.

    On the conference, the Sultan said it was to discuss events happening across the world affecting Muslims and Islam.

    He called on the Federal Government to pay attention to the Minna-Suleja and Minna-Bida roads, which are in deplorable conditions.

    In his address, Minister for Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, again expressed President Bola Tinubu’s apology and sympathy over the unfortunate drone incident that claimed lives and injured many people.

    He said that the president had approved the commencement of the FULAKO Initiative, which would facilitate the building of houses, clinics, schools and veterinary hospital as part of non-kinetic response to problems of banditry and kidnapping in the North.

    Read Also: Sultan vows justice for victims of Kaduna error bombing

    He said the Fulako Initiative was the president’s humanitarian response to the effects of banditry in communities, and will be implemented in Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger and Benue.

    In his welcome address, Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger said JNI has remained a beacon of Islamic education and missionary work, contributing significantly to the spiritual and intellectual growth of the society since 1962.

    Bago represented by his Deputy, Mr Yakubu Garba, said the state was committed to working with religious leaders to create an environment that promotes peace and understanding.

    Earlier, the Etsu Nupe, Dr Yahaya Abubakar, who is also the JNI Chairman in Niger, said the mandate of the body was to spread Islamic knowledge and unite the Muslim faithful.

    (NAN)

  • Senators lift Kaduna error bombing victims with N109m

    Senators lift Kaduna error bombing victims with N109m

    It was sweet relief for survivors of the accidental bombing of Tundun Biri village on a religious procession in Kaduna. They got a N109 million pledge from senators.

    The senators, who sent a delegation to commiserate with victims and sympathise with the survivors of the drone misfire, announced the donation of N1 million each by all 109 members of the Red Chamber.

    They vowed to thoroughly investigate the incident.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had vowed to punish anyone found culpable in the accidental bombing.

    The villagers were hit last Sunday by the Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) on routine terrorists’ chase in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

    The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed that 85 persons were killed, while 66 others were injured in the error attack.

    Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin and leader of the delegation yesterday announced the donation on behalf of the Senate President Godswill Akpabio at the Kaduna Government House during a visit to Governor Uba Sani.

    Senator Barau said the money would be sent to the state governor for onward delivery to the victims. 

    Praying to Allah to grant those who lost their lives paradise, the deputy senate president wished the injured quick recovery.

    He said: “Let me state clearly that the Senate has been in contact with the President of this country, who is also highly disturbed and has ordered a thorough investigation of the incident.

    “We are all on the same page with the executive arm of the government and we will continue to work in partnership to unravel what happened and also take measures to prevent this kind of unfortunate incident from recurring.

    “We are here to show our solidarity and to show the fact that we stand by the people, we stand by the government and indeed the entire people of the state, particularly the people of Tudun Biri in this trying period.

    “We will partner with you and do all within our power to bring succor to those who are affected by this unfortunate incident.

    “It is on this note that I want to announce, on behalf of the President of the Senate and the entire Senate, that we have decided that we are going to donate our December salaries to the victims. A total of N109 million will be made available to the governor so that it can be channeled to help the victims.”

    Read Also: FRSC confirms 18 dead, 27 injured in Kaduna-Abuja expressway crash

    Thanking the senators for their donation, the governor said: “What I can say here today is that I am really happy with the level of support, level of empathy and solidarity by the people of this country, from Mr. President, Vice President, to the leadership of the Senate and the National Assembly generally, as well as the good people of Nigeria.

    “I also want to make it clear today that here in Kaduna we have received this thing with shock, but unfortunately in the last few days, some people are trying to make it look like it is either an ethnic or religious issue. We are one family; there is no difference between Muslims and Christians in Kaduna. This incident can happen anywhere in Nigeria and is about humanity.

    “What we are asking for is justice for the people of Tudun Biri who lost their lives and those in the hospital. I would like to also call on the National Assembly, particularly the Senate to join the Kaduna State government and the good people of Nigeria in calling for a probe and investigation into this incident.

    “I will also urge the members of the National Assembly to look at the laws that have to do with security agencies in Nigeria so that they can strengthen those institutions.”

    Sani called for synergy between the security agencies, saying that, future occurrence of such incident would be averted if the security agencies work on the same page and share intelligence.

    In the Upper Chamber’s delegation were Senate Leader (Micheal Opayemi Bamidele); Chief Whip Ali Ndume; Minority Leader Abba Moro; Deputy Minority Leader Kamorudeen Olarere; senators Abdulhamid Malam-Madori; Aliyu Ikra Bilbis; Ibrahim Bomoi; Ibrahim Lamido; Abdulaziz Yar’Adua; Victor Umeh; Muntari Dandutse; Lawal Usman; Emmanuel Udende and Sani Musa.

    There were at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital to see the injured.

    N/East elders defends military

    Also yesterday, the North East Elders for Restoration and Development (NEERD) described as malicious and insensitive, insinuations that the military leadership was complicit in the recent unfortunate incident in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State.

    NEERD’s defence came in a statement by its President, Mallam Buba Tanko and the Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello.

    The North East elders, who described as unfortunate that ethno-religious sentiments were being used to blackmail the military, that had continued to make sacrifices for the peace and stability of the country.

    They said that those raising the allegations should have studied the antecedent of the present leadership of the military, especially the Chief of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa.

    The statement reads: “It is unfortunate that some of our people are being used to escalate the tension in the North for selfish interest.

    “For example, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen, Christopher Musa, was Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai.

    “His stay in the North-East is enough to vouch that the Armed Forces of Nigeria under him will not descend to attack those it is protecting.

    “During his stay in the North-East, Gen. Musa ensured that peace was not only restored but people, irrespective of ethnicity and religion began to return to their various means of livelihood.

    “We must not be blinded by ethno-religious sentiments at this time the country is going through economic and security challenges. Any one bringing up these insinuations at this time, don’t love Nigeria.”

    LP demands identities of bomb victims

    The Labour Party (LP) asked the Federal Government to publish the names of victims of accidental drone attack, saying it would ensure compensation for their families.

    In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, the party said: “One week after the catastrophic mishap in Tudun Biri village of Kaduna state’s Igabi council area where some villagers gathered to observe the holiday celebrating the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad which led to an untimely death of Nigerians, the LP is calling on the government to publish the names of the dead and ensure that members of their families are well compensated.”

    The party cautioned against bombing a target without precision and intelligence.

  • BREAKING: Nigerian senators donate one month salaries to survivors of Kaduna bombing

    The leadership of the Senate on Sunday, December 10, announced that all 109 senators have resolved to donate their one month salaries to the people of Tudun Biri community.

     Senate President, Godswill Akpabio made this known during a condolence visit to Kaduna over the recent error bombing attack at Tudun Biri.

    Read Also: Road crashes claim 35, injure 270 in Anambra – FRSC

    The Senate president, who was represented by the deputy Senate president, Jibrin Barau, said the Senate was disturbed by the incident and that it would work closely with President Bola Tinubu to unravel the remote causes of the incident.

    Senator Barau said the salaries amounting N109million will be made available to Governor Uba Sani.

    Details shortly….

  • Kaduna bombing mistake: Defence chief begs Nigerians

    • Northern lawyers threaten court action against FG
    • House of Representatives to monitor attack probe

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, yesterday pleaded with Nigerians to shun the temptation of judging the military by last Sunday’s accidental drone attack in Tudun Biri community in Kaduna State.

    He said nothing should be done to demoralise the troops who are saddled with the responsibility of tackling insecurity in the country.

    Musa spoke at the graduation of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 45 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, near Jos.

    But a group of lawyers from the North said it would be taking legal action against the federal government over the bombing, while the House of Representatives promised to monitor the probe of the incident.

    ”The incident wasn’t on purpose. We are meant to protect Nigerians and cannot be seen killing them,” Musa said.

    “And so, I want to appeal to Nigerians not to use this incident to demoralise our troops because we are determined to end all forms of insecurity currently confronting our nation.

    ”The incident in Kaduna is, indeed, unfortunate and regrettable. It was a mistake and not a deliberate act.”

    The defence chief expressed the military’s commitment to protecting the sanctity of human lives, adding that troops would never attack law-abiding citizens.

    He further appealed to Nigerians to pray and support the military and other security agencies in their bid to rid the nation of all forms of security challenges.

    In an interview with newsmen at the 4th Edition of the Chief of Defence Staff Armed Forces and Security Agencies Half Marathon Championship 2023 in Abuja, also yesterday, Musa said the military would take every measure to ensure that the mistake never occurs again.

    “We pray for the repose of those that have died and those that are injured. We will make sure that they are provided for,” he said.

    “The Federal Government and everyone are putting hands on the deck to ensure that we take care of the community, take care of those that have been injured and to also ensure that this doesn’t happen again.

    “I want to thank all Nigerians for understanding with members of the armed forces and other security agencies.

    “It was not deliberate; it was something that should not have been.

    “We are going to move forward and we are using this competition to appreciate Nigerians for all their support and love for members of the armed forces and to assure them that we will continue to work very hard.

    “We want to restore peace and tranquility in Nigeria and God willing, all of us together will achieve that.”

    Northern lawyers threaten court action against FG

    The Concerned Northern Lawyers Forum yesterday expressed its decision to go to court over the bombing to obtain justice for the victims.

    Its spokesman, Mr. Nafi’iu Abubakar, said it found the Nigeria Army’s claim that the incident was accidental ‘deeply troubling’.

     “We firmly believe that such occurrences should have never happened in the first place, especially, during a time of joyful celebration and unity,” Abubakar said.

    He added: “It is unacceptable and goes against the principles of justice and respect for human rights.

    “As representatives of the legal fraternity in northern Nigeria, we stand firmly in support of the affected victims and their families.

    “It is our duty to ensure that justice is served and the rights of these innocent victims are protected.”

    He said the forum would be instituting a legal action against the Federal Government to demand the payment of adequate compensation for the victims and their families who had suffered irreparable loss as a result of the unfortunate incident.

    Abubakar therefore asked the Federal Government to take immediate and decisive action to ensure a thorough and independent investigation into the incident.

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    “It is imperative that those responsible are held accountable for their actions, and measures are put in place to prevent any recurrence of such incident in the future.

    “We also urge the Nigerian Army to re-evaluate its rules of engagement and training procedures to prevent the loss of innocent lives during military operations,” he said.

    According to him, it is vital that the Nigerian Army, as a defender of the nation, exercises utmost caution to avoid any further instance of collateral damage and civilian casualties.

    Reps to monitor probe of military drone attack

    The House of Representatives in its reaction to the drone attack said the incident “has cast a sombre mood over the hearts of all Nigerians.”

    Chairman of the  House Committee on Defence, Babajimi Benson, said in a statement in Abuja yesterday that while members had taken note of the “prompt admission of responsibility by the Nigerian Army” for the  air strike, it was imperative for the military to henceforth exercise caution and precision in their  operations, particularly in areas with civilian populations.

    “The House Committee on Defence takes this opportunity to appeal to the Nigerian Army and other security agencies to prioritise the safety of civilians during operations, exercise utmost caution, and implement measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” Benson said.

    “In our thorough examination of this incident, the Committee acknowledges the complexities encountered by the Armed Forces of Nigeria in upholding security and addressing diverse threats across the country.”

    It hailed “the dedication and sacrifice exhibited by the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the service of our nation” and stressed the need for the public to “steadfastly support our troops, acknowledging the intricate nature of the security environment in which they operate.”

    He added: “The House Committee on Defence will closely monitor the investigations and work collaboratively with the military authorities to ensure that corrective measures are implemented to prevent the recurrence of such unfortunate incidents.

    Yari, Ningi lead Northern Senators to visit Kaduna airstrike victims

    A delegation of the Northern Senators Forum yesterday visited the injured victims and bereaved families.

    The delegation, led by the Chairman of Forum, Senator Abdul Ningi and Senator Abdul’aziz Yari Abubakar  expressed their deepest condolences to the affected families and offered their support during this difficult time.

    The Chairman of the Forum, Senator Ningi, announced a donation of N58 million to the victims from the 58 Northern Senators as an expression of their commitment of to supporting their constituents in times of need.

    Speaking on the tragedy, Senator Yari, representing Zamfara West, expressed profound grief and condemned the incident.

    He said:”Our hearts go out to all the families affected by this senseless tragedy. We witnessed firsthand the immense pain and suffering caused by this event.

    “We pray for the deceased, their families, and a speedy recovery for the injured.”

    Senator Yari also called for stronger measures to ensure that such accidental deaths do not reoccur, while also welcoming the investigation by the authorities into the cause of the accident.