By Abiodun OBA
Contrary to allegations making the rounds on social media that the Nigeria Air Force, NAF, slaughtered innocent civilians in an air raid at Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, on Sunday night, the NAF, has distanced itself from accident.
The attack left many dead and others injured.
Stories had gone viral alleging that a jet operated by the NAF had dropped a bomb around 9 p.m. on Sunday, when villagers gathered for the Maulud celebration, leaving several casualties.
However, in a swift reaction, Air Force 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.”
However, authorities of the Nigerian Army have taken responsibility for the Sunday night bomb attack.
The Army said the villagers were inadvertently affected when during its routine mission against terrorists on the axis.
However, the Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state, was allegedly bombed by a flying object and killed locals who were attending a religious ceremony on Sunday night.
“We were celebrating Maulud when the jet dropped the bomb, resulting in the immediate death of more than 30 people,” a local alleged.
However, Samuel Aruwan, the Overseeing Commissioner of the State Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs said government would address the media on the development.
“We will address the press at Government House on the situation because there would be a security meeting later,” he said.
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