Death Toll from the Army’s Drone Attack in Kaduna State Rises to 85, With 66 Injured
The death toll from the army’s drone attack in Kaduna state had risen to 85, and 66 were injured, according to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).
The drone targeting terrorists mistakenly struck residents of Tudun Biri Village in Igabi Local Government Area on Sunday night.
NEMA North West Zonal Coordinator, Halima Suleiman, on Tuesday the figures were sourced from local authorities after the burial of victims on Monday.
Meanwhile, the defense headquarters has explained that the drone attack was based on intelligence on the movement of terrorists in the area, preparatory for an attack on key infrastructure and residents in the axis.
DHQ Director of Media Operation, Major General Edwards Buba on Tuesday said the drone had captured the movement of terrorists at Ligamar which is a terrorist enclave.
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He, however, noted that terrorists often disguised themselves to mingle with civilians to avoid detection.
The strike took place Sunday night in Kaduna state’s Tudun Biri village while residents observed the Muslim holiday marking the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad, government officials said. The military believed it was “targeting terrorists and bandits,” officials said.
At least 66 people also were injured in the attack, the National Emergency Management Agency said in a statement. Eighty-five bodies, including of children, women, and the elderly, have been buried so far, as a search continues for any additional victims, the agency said.
Nigeria’s army chief, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, apologized for the drone strike during a visit to the village Tuesday and said it had been carried out “based on the observation of some tactics usually employed by bandits.
