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Tag: Kaduna

  • Kaduna seals hospital for doing surgery without theatre

    Kaduna seals hospital for doing surgery without theatre

    – Expectant dies in process

    Kaduna State Government yesterday sealed off a medical facility for carrying out a major operation of Caesarean Section (CS), without an operation theatre, leading to the death of a woman.

    The health facility, Lafiya Bestcare Specialist Hospital, located on Kinshasha road, Ungwan Rimi in Kaduna North Local Government Area, at the weekend did a CS operation without a theatre which led to the death of the woman but saved the baby.

    Speaking during the exercise, Chairman Kaduna State Private Health Establishment Committee, Dr Mark Anthony, noted that the hospital was not certified to carry out any major operation by the Ministry of Health, because they lack the basic requirements to do that, especially an operation theatre.

    He said the committee got a tip off from an anonymous that a woman that gone through a major operation at the hospital died within 12 hours.

    Read Also: One killed, others injured in Police, IPOB/ESN clash

    “After carrying out our preliminary investigation, we realised that though the facility was accredited by the ministry of health, but based on their structure and minimum standard they have, they do not have a theatre but they can carry out minimal surgeries that they can meet up with.

    “But unfortunately, they had a major surgery and a caesarean section was done and after delivery the mother died but the baby is alive and was taken to another hospital where they manage paediatric patients.

    “So in view of what has happened we have to seal off the hospital in order to allow for further investigation to actually confirm why they did. Kaduna State cannot condone a situation where facilities will be going beyond approvals of what services they should provide,” he said.

    Dr. Mark hinted that if the doctor who carried out the operation is found wanting after further investigation, he would be reported to all the regulatory bodies for sanctioning.

    Contacted, the doctor in charge of the hospital promised to call back for his reaction.

  • Kaduna bombing: Shiites demand justice for victims of attack

    Kaduna bombing: Shiites demand justice for victims of attack

    The Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN) has expressed sorrow over the accidental bombing of Tudun Biri in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna state by the Nigerian Army on Sunday, which killed at least eighty-five civilians in the village.

    It was said that the incident happened on Sunday night during the annual Maulud festival, which drew hundreds of residents.

    The governor of Kaduna state announced in a statement on Monday that the Nigerian Army has admitted to dropping the bomb, calling it “an unfortunate and unintended attack.”

    A movement member named Sheikh Sidi Munir Mainasara Sokoto made a statement on Tuesday on behalf of the IMN, urging a comprehensive probe to determine the cause of the atrocity.

    Read Also: Kaduna bombing embarrassment for Army, Nigeria – Peter Obi

    The movement made the following demands: “All people of conscience should come out publicly to condemn these atrocities and demand justice for the people of Tudun Biri. The perpetrators of this massacre should be identified, investigated, and prosecuted.

     “An investigation should be conducted to ascertain what happened, the number of people killed or injured, and the losses incurred by the people of Tudun Biri as a result of this massacre.

    “The Nigerian Army, Kaduna State Government, and the federal government of Nigeria should pay compensation to the families of victims of the Tudun Biri massacre.”

  • Kaduna Bombing: Islamic group urges military to conduct impartial investigation

    Kaduna Bombing: Islamic group urges military to conduct impartial investigation

    Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen (Attijjaniyya), an Islamic group has urged the Nigerian Army to conduct a fair, impartial and comprehensive investigation to ascertain the truth behind the bombing of a village in Kaduna State.

    The National Secretary of the group, Saiyadi Yahaya, made the call at a news briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Yahaya also demanded transparency and accountability in bringing the perpetrators to justice.

    According to him, no one should be above the law, and those responsible must be held accountable, regardless of their position or rank.

    He also advised the Federal Government to establish a fair and efficient compensation mechanism for the families affected by the tragedy.

    Similarly, Yahaya canvassed for financial and emotional support to the affected community with a view to rebuild their lives to cope with the immense loss they suffered.

    He said, ” As the National Secretary of Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen whose members were affected by the tragic killing of innocent civilians in Tudun Biri Village, Kaduna State.

    ” I stand before you to express our collective grief, demand justice and propose recommendations to prevent future occurrences.

    ” We urge the Nigerian Army to promptly initiate an impartial and independent investigation into the incident.

    ” This investigation should be transparent, with regular updates provided to the affected families and the public.”

    Read Also: ‘I lost 34 family members to Kaduna bombing’

    Yahaya also urged the Nigerian Army to reassess and reinforce rules of engagement for their personnel, particularly when it comes to the deployment of military drones.

    He added, ” It is essential to improve the training and education of the military personnel regarding human rights and protection of civilian lives.

    ” Emphasizing empathy, respect for diversity and cultural sensitivity can help prevent future incidents of this nature.”

    Yahaya extended the condolences of the group to the families who lost their loved ones in the incident.

    He says, ” No words can alleviate the pain they are enduring, but please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Defence Headquarters said the drone attack in the affected community was based on information about untoward activities of terrorists in the area.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Buba said the Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) detachment had at about 2200hrs on Sunday, observed the movement of terrorist at Ligarma, known to be a terrorist-infested area of Kaduna State.

    He also said that the aerial surveillance captured movement of groups of persons synonymous with the terrorist tactics and modus operandi.

    However, President Bola Tinubu has ordered for a probe into the bombing of a village, in Kaduna State.

    This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said that the president directed a thorough and full-fledged investigation into the incident and calls for calm while the authorities look into the mishap.

    Ngelale said Tinubu also directed a swift and comprehensive medical attention for surviving victims while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

    He added that the president sympathised with the families of victims, the people and government of Kaduna State over the mishap.

    ”President Tinubu describes the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful, expressing indignation and grief over the tragic loss of Nigerian lives.

    (NAN)

  • ‘I lost 34 family members to Kaduna bombing’

    ‘I lost 34 family members to Kaduna bombing’

    A resident of Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Idris Dahiru, has said that 34 of his family members were killed in the Army’s aerial bombardment on Sunday evening.

    The Nation reports that scores of villagers were killed when a Nigerian Army drone struck a gathering of residents commemorating Maulud accidentally. 

    The Military, however, regretted the bombing, stating it was targeted at terrorists.

    Read Also: Tinubu orders investigation into Kaduna village bombing

    Dahiru, in an interview with BBC Hausa said: “Our annual Maulud celebration was shattered by unexpected airstrikes. The first bomb exploded without warning, killing innocent people, including women and children, some victims were torn apart by the blast.

    “As we rushed to aid the injured, the jet returned, unleashing a second bomb, this time, many of those who had come to help were among the casualties.

    “My family alone has lost 34 members in this tragedy. We have 66 loved ones receiving medical care at Barau Dikko hospital.” 

  • Army apologises over accidental bombing of civilians in Kaduna

    Army apologises over accidental bombing of civilians in Kaduna

    The Nigerian Army has apologised over the accidental bombing of civilians in the Tudun Biri community in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna state.

    It expressed regrets for the unfortunate mishap, describing it as “a very disheartening occurrence.”

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. – Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, issued the apology when he visited the community.

    A statement by the Army spokesperson, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said the army chief who was accompanied by Principal Staff Officers from the Army Headquarters and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, said in the recent past, Tudun Biri and adjoining villages were infested with armed bandits, who terrorized the communities until troops of the Nigerian Army started conducting operations to sanitise the area and make it habitable.

    He explained that the “troops were carrying out aerial patrols when they observed a group of people and wrongly analysed and misinterpreted their pattern of activities to be similar to that of the bandits, before the drone strike.”

    Read Also: Atiku mourns victims of Kaduna village bombing

    He said he was in Tudun Biri to personally witness the site of the mishap and to convey sincere regrets and unreserved apologies on behalf of the Nigerian Army to the District Head and people of the community, as well as the government and entire people of Kaduna State.

    The COAS said he has ordered a thorough inquiry into the incident to ascertain and identify areas of deficiency that led to the inadvertent disaster.

    He said the findings and overarching outcome of the investigation will “guide the Nigerian Army in meticulously and professionally seeking and applying lasting solutions to identified lapses and deficiencies in both the human and Artificial Intelligence variables that will forestall future recurrence.”

  • Kaduna bombing: punish persons behind carnage, FNM tells Tinubu

    Kaduna bombing: punish persons behind carnage, FNM tells Tinubu

    The Future Nigeria Movement (FNM) has described the unfortunate bomb attack that reportedly killed scores of innocent citizens in Biri in the Igabi local government area of Kaduna state by a military jet during a Maulud celebration as an unacceptable national disaster.

    FNM appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is the Commander-in-Chief not to allow the incident to slide but to take manifest drastic actions to avoid recurrence.

    FNM’s leader, Livingstone Wechie, urged Tinubu to execute his powers and address the nation on steps to arrest the catastrophe insisting that the President must punish persons behind the carnage.

    Wechie said: “We cannot move on as though nothing happened when our compatriots have been killed like chickens by a military that should protect and defend them.

    “The incident has further revealed the need to rework our military structure and infrastructure as well as critically prioritise the advanced training and retraining of our personnel.

    “It is no longer news that most of Nigeria’s military hardware and technology have become grossly outdated and gone south. What has happened to the coordinates and other sophisticated devices that detect and determine targets that should now result in this national calamity and unexplainable international embarrassment?

    “President Bola Tinubu owes a duty to ensure without prejudice that any personnel culpable in this loss either by omission or commission must be punished or sacked including any of the service chiefs.

    “If the President fails to exert his powers as Commander-in-Chief at this auspicious time, it will cast doubts on his commitment and value for the lives of Nigerians. One had expected that service and other security Chiefs should be resigning now as a mark of responsibility.

    “The question now is whether our lives have become so valueless that government will no longer show a necessary duty of care for our helpless citizens.”

    FNM added: “Fundamentally, corruption has become the mainstay of our security system as this ugly incident has brought to the fore again the agitation by frontline soldiers and Watchers that the war equipment has mostly gone south and can no longer contain the sophistication of the Terrorists and insurgents.

    “It was in this same country under the last administration that the National Security Adviser raised the alarm that more than a billion dollars meant for military hardware could not be accounted for yet the Presidency shut him down till date.

    Read Also: Atiku mourns victims of Kaduna village bombing

    “The 2024 budget proposed estimate for Defense is about three trillion Naira while that of 2023 was two trillion two hundred billion Naira as it is back to back yet nobody accounts for the utility just because the insurgency and security situation has become a big industry. If we must make progress we must be deliberate without patronising negligence.

    Whilst FNM calls for a national mourning, it expresses disappointment and condemns the Kaduna State government for its carefree response stating that it will foot hospital bills, and investigate to avert a recurrence. This shows leadership failure and loss of value for the lives of citizens.

    “This is too lame, inexcusably irresponsible, and disheartening, to say the least. We expect State actions to demand explanations and a statewide mourning.”

  • Police arrest four suspects, recover gun in Kaduna

    Police arrest four suspects, recover gun in Kaduna

    The Police Command in Kaduna State, said it’s operatives have arrested four suspects with 50kg Indian hemp at Unguwar Mai Hayi in Makarfi.

    According to the Command’s Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansur Hassan, a gun was recovered from the suspected drug dealers when the operatives raided their base.

    Hassan told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kaduna that the arrest followed actionable intelligence received from a good Samaritan in the community on Dec. 4.

    Read Also: NDLEA seizes 478kgs illicit substances in Kaduna, nabs 99 suspects

    “On getting the information, our operatives mobilised to the area where four suspects were arrested and one locally made gun recovered in the house,” he added.

    Hassan however said the police were on the trail of the principal suspect.

    The command spokesman the four suspects would be prosecuted upon completion of ongoing investigation.

    (NAN)

  • Military clarifies drone attack on Kaduna community

    Military clarifies drone attack on Kaduna community

    The Defence Headquarters says the drone attack on Ligarma community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday, was based on information about untoward activities of terrorists in the area.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Buba said the Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) detachment had at about 2200hrs on Sunday, observed movement of terrorist at Ligarma, known to be a terrorist-infested area of Kaduna State.

    He said the aerial surveillance captured movement of groups of persons synonymous with the terrorist tactics and modus operandi.

    Buba explained that the observed advance of the  terrorist that were gathered, posed a threat to key infrastructure within reach of their activities.

    According to him, the threat was eliminated to prevent the terrorist from unleashing terror on  innocent civilians.

    Read Also: Tinubu orders investigation into Kaduna village bombing

    “It should be noted that, terrorist often deliberately embed themselves within civilian population centres for civilian population to bear the consequences of their atrocities.

    “Nevertheless, the Nigerian military does its best at all times to distinguish between civilians and terrorist.

    “The military views every civilian death in the cause of operations as a tragedy as such tragedies are needless and unwanted, which causes the armed forces to take extensive measures to avoid them,” he said.

    According to him, one such measures taken by the military is to  continually gives precise instructions to  communities.

    “For instance, communities are to always alert troops of their activities particularly when such a community is known to be infested with terrorist and their sympathisers.

    “These instructions are intended at enabling the military distinguish between friendly and untoward activities,” he said.

    Buba said the armed forces would continue to operate in line with international laws and would also continue its determined and cautious progress in eradicating terrorist from the land.

    He said the terrorists often disguised as civilian to perpetrate terror as part of their tactics, adding that the military would continue to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced in the conduct of its operations.

    (NAN)

  • Death toll in Kaduna civilians’ bombing rises to 80

    Death toll in Kaduna civilians’ bombing rises to 80

    The death toll in the bombing of civilians by the Army at Tudun Biri Village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna has risen to 80. 

    Governor Uba Sani ordered investigations into the attack which took place on Sunday night while Muslims were celebrating Maulud Nabbiy with more than 50 others injured.

    Residents told newsmen on Monday that bombs were dropped on their community by a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet but the Air Force denied involvement in the attack.

    NAF, in a statement by its spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, said: “The news making the rounds alleging that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft accidentally killed innocent civilians in Kaduna is false. Please be informed that the NAF has not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours. Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the North western region of Nigeria.

    “It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press with unverified and unconfirmed reports.”

    Commissioner Overseeing the Ministry of Internal Security and Hone Affairs,Samuel Aruwan subsequently announced the Army was responsible for the accidental bomb attack in its routine campaign against terrorists in the area.

    Aruwan, in a statement, after from the state security council meeting said the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Valentine Okoro explained the circumstances that led to the unfortunate attack.

    He said: “The Kaduna State Government has received briefings on Sunday night’s attack which left several citizens dead and others injured.

    Read Also: Army takes responsibility for bombing of civilians in Kaduna

    “In a meeting presided over by the Deputy Governor, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa 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 General VU 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 closed door 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, MY Garba, and Director of the Department of State Services (DSS) Abdul Eneche.

    “The Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of Jam’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Professor 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.”

    Our correspondent, who visited the Accident and Emergency section of Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital, Kaduna where survivors were being treated, reported that over 50 injured patients were being attended to while those with severe cases had been taken to the theatre.

    It was also observed majority of those injured were children and women.. 

    A competent source from the local government who pleaded anonymity confirmed that not less than 80 persons were killed when the bomb was dropped while those injured are 53. 

    In a statement he signed Governor Uba Sani directed immediate probe of the tragic incident and declared that the State Government will foot the medical bills of injured.

    According to him: “I received with shock news of the tragic incident at Tudun Biri village, Afaka ward of Rigasa District of Igabi Local Government, where Muslim faithful observing Maulud celebration were mistakenly killed and many others injured following a military drone attack targeting terrorists and bandits.  

    “Search and rescue operations in the area are ongoing.

    “The State Government has dispatched top government officials to the area to assess the situation, reach out to the families of the victims and advice the government on the immediate actions/measures to be taken to lessen the pains of the families of the victims.  

    “I have ordered immediate investigation into the tragic incident. We are determined to prevent a repeat of this tragedy and reassure our people that their protection would be prioritized in the sustained fight against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements.

    “I have also directed the immediate evacuation of the injured to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for emergency medical attention. The Government will be responsible for their treatment and related logistics.

    “I appeal to the affected community, and all citizens to keep calm and continue to support the security forces and the state government in our battle against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements in Kaduna State.

    “I am in consultation with the security forces to ensure that such mistakes are avoided in future operations.

    “On behalf of the Government and People of Kaduna State, I wish to express our heartfelt sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones. May Allah in his mercy grant all of the victims Aljannah Firdausi, and their families the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses. Our heartfelt commiserations also go to those that sustained injuries. We wish them speedy recovery.”

  • Army takes responsibility for bombing of civilians in Kaduna

    Army takes responsibility for bombing of civilians in Kaduna

    Authority of the Nigerian Army has taken responsibility for the Sunday night bomb attack which led to the killings of dozens of civilians at Tudun Biri village in Igabi local government area of Kaduna state.

    The Army said the unfortunate attack was an unintended attack that happened during its routine mission against terrorists on the axis.

    This was disclosed in a statement issued by the overseeing commissioner of the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna state, Samuel Aruwan, after the state’s Security Council meeting on Monday, December 4.

    Aruwan said that during the meeting which had in attendance; heads of security agencies, Islamic clerics, and traditional rulers, the state government received briefings on the Sunday night attack.

    He said during the meeting presided over by the deputy governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Valentine Okoro explained the circumstances that led to the unfortunate attack.

    Aruwan stated: “The Kaduna state government has received briefings on Sunday night’s attack which left several citizens dead and others injured.

    Read Also: BREAKING: Kaduna villagers feared bombed during Maulud Celebration

    “In a meeting presided over by the deputy governor, Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, who had in attendance heads of security agencies, and 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 General VU 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 closed-door 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, MY Garba, and Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Abdul Eneche.

    “The chairman of the Kaduna state chapter of Jam’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) Professor Shafi’u Abdullahi, led other religious leaders. Also present at the meeting was the District Head of Rigasa, Alhaji Aminu Idris in whose domain the incident occurred.”