Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has stated that the reconstruction of Tudun Biri in the Igabi Local Government Area is set to begin within the next three weeks.
An air strike, initially targeted at flushing out terrorists, inadvertently struck civilians on Sunday night during a religious celebration, resulting in the death toll reaching 127. Numerous injured individuals are currently receiving treatment at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in the state.
Governor Sani, in a Friday interview on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily, stated that Vice President Kashim Shettima had assured that rebuilding efforts would commence as soon as possible. He urged for calm in the aftermath of the incident.
“In the course of this incident, we are starting a program. So the whole community will be rebuilt.”
“Mr. Vice President, yesterday, even this morning, I called him, and he assured me that the rebuilding of the community will start in the next three to four weeks maximum,” he said.
“I won’t be surprised if the whole building starts in the next two weeks.”
“Today they have taken responsibility and it’s a way forward. Having taken responsibility, We will have to fast-track the investigation and ensure that those involved are dealt with decisively.”
“For me, it’s key and that will make the community a bit calm and satisfied.”
Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, visited the community on Tuesday and offered apologies to the victims’ relatives, deeming the incident ‘very disheartening.’ Lagbaja also initiated an investigation into the incident, emphasizing its importance in preventing future occurrences.
Despite the Army taking responsibility for the tragic incident, protesters rallied at the National Assembly on Wednesday to voice their anger, demanding justice for the victims. They challenged Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, to fulfill his responsibility or resign.
Additionally, the United Nations expressed disapproval of the bombing, urging the military to review its rules of engagement.
“While we note that the authorities have termed the civilian deaths as accidental, we call on them to take all feasible steps in the future to ensure civilians and civilian infrastructure are protected,” said Magango in a statement.
“They must review rules of engagement and standard operating procedures to ensure that such incidents do not happen again,” the UN human rights, Public Information Officer, Seif Magango on Wednesday