Channels Television reports that Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), has spoken sincere remorse and grief for the fatal airstrike that occurred in Kaduna on Sunday, leaving a number of persons injured and 85 dead.
When visiting with community leaders and those impacted by the unfortunate event, the COAS expressed sincere regrets on behalf of the Nigerian Army. The visit took place on Tuesday in the northwest state.
Lieutenant General Lagbaja, accompanied by principal staff officers from the army headquarters and the General Officer Commanding 1 Division, made it a priority to engage with the community, including Dangaladima Zazau, the District Head of Rigasa, Architect Aminu Idris, and other local leaders.
Speaking at the site of the mishap in Tudun Biri, the COAS announced the initiation of a thorough inquiry into the incident. The inquiry, he stated, would meticulously examine the circumstances surrounding the deadly airstrike, identifying areas of deficiency that led to the inadvertent disaster.
Lagbaja assured the people of Kaduna State that the findings of the investigation would guide the Nigerian Army in addressing identified lapses and deficiencies.
The COAS emphasised the importance of professionalism in seeking lasting solutions, aiming to implement reforms that enhance the safety and precision of military operations.
He said, “My assessment of that unfortunate incident on Sunday, December 3, 2023, is that it is grave and regrettable. We will do everything possible to prevent such an occurrence from happening again in the conduct of our operations going forward.
“I have gone around to visit and interact with the members of the community. I have come again to the hospital to see the injured. This will help me to know the level of expertise I need to put on the table in conducting the inquiry into what happened.”
