The Concerned Northern Lawyers Forum has criticized the recent unintentional military bombing in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The group has expressed its intention to pursue legal action against the Federal Government in response to the incident.
The group has announced its decision to file a lawsuit against the Federal Government, seeking fair compensation for the victims affected by the military drone attack.
During a press conference in Kaduna on Saturday, the group’s spokesperson, Nafi’u Abubakar, contested the Nigerian Army’s assertion that the attack was accidental. Instead, he claimed that the operation was intentionally orchestrated against the innocent civilians of Tudun Biri community.
Abubakar urged the Federal Government to promptly initiate a comprehensive independent investigation into the bombing incident to uncover the truth.
Additionally, he called on the Nigerian Army to reassess its rules of engagement and training protocols to prevent the loss of innocent lives during its operations.
Army Apologises, Rights Groups Fault Incident
The strike that took place on December 3, 2023, resulted in the confirmed deaths of over 85 individuals, with numerous others sustaining injuries in the recent military accident.
The Nigerian Army has issued an apology for the incident, assuring that steps will be taken to prevent any recurrence. Despite this, rights groups have criticized the military action.
“The Nigerian military’s recklessness is a result of the authorities’ consistent failure to hold them to account for a long list of such atrocities. These unlawful killings of civilians cannot be swept under the carpet,” said Director of Amnesty International Nigeria, Isa Sanusi.
President Bola Tinubu and Governor Sani have also ordered a probe into the matter which threw the nation into mourning.