Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has expressed dissatisfaction with the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) claim that terrorists embedded themselves with civilians in the Tudun Birni community, leading to an airstrike.
Gatekeepers News reports that Governor Sani, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, deemed the statement “careless” insisting that such claims need to be verified before taking such decisions.
The incident, which happened on Sunday, resulted in the deaths of over 120 people and injuries to several others in the Igabi Local Government Area.
But the Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, stated on Tuesday that the reason for the air raid was terrorists embedding themselves with the locals in the area.
Governor Sani said: “But what happened in Tundi Buri is something that is unfortunate. But the fact that the chief of staff took responsibility is the reason why the community is calm.
“But to say that the terrorists are in the community is something that needs verification. I think that is a very careless statement when I heard it yesterday.
“If you visit the hospital and see what is happening, you would condemn statements like this.”
Vice President Kashim Shettima visited the affected community on Thursday, pledging support and initiating an investigation.
While stating his support to the DHQ on fighting insecurity, Governor Sani, however, called for the withdrawal of the DHQ statement, emphasizing empathy, justice, and caution in handling the aftermath.
“Because we are not talking about that, but like I said earlier, we are going to continue to support the army and the military generally, as well as the other security agencies, in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Kaduna State,” Governor Sani said.
“I think the first statement by the Chief of Army Staff, General Lagbaja, I think that is the one I have taken seriously.
“Because the second statement, the PRO of the general army, I’m trying to reach out to the Chief of Army Staff for him to see that they have to withdraw that statement.
“These are the statements that are responsible and show a lot of empathy. It’s a time to show empathy and not a time to make excuses because, for the families – we are trying to calm them down and make them understand that the government will fight for justice,” he said.
“But making excuses before the investigation is concluded, I think it’s unnecessary.”
Governor Sani also announced plans to commence rebuilding Tudun Biri in three weeks, with Vice President Shettima’s commitment to the project.
The Federal Government has ordered an investigation into the incident, with the Governor stressing the importance of accountability and satisfaction for the affected community.
“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.”
