The Defence Headquarters said that it is investigating the accidental bombing in Kaduna State on December 3 that tragically led to over 100 deaths.
Edward Buba (Major General), the Director of Defence Media Operations, mentioned in an interview that a panel consisting of eight senior officers is conducting the investigation.
However, the community affected has denied filing a N33 billion lawsuit against the federal government.
Spokesperson Buba confirmed on December 5 that the military high command will probe the incident further by setting up a panel to examine the matter.
“Yes, the military will probe the incident. When the panel is set up, the details will be communicated accordingly, please,” Buba promised.
Buba added that the panel has already been set up by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and will have its members cut across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
He said, “Kindly be informed that the CDS has since set up an investigation panel, comprising eight senior officers, whose membership cuts across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
“The panel was set up on December 8, 2023. The outcome of their effort will be communicated in due course.”
Villagers deny N33 billion lawsuit against FG, disowns Dalhatu Salihu
Following the tragic incident, community leaders of the Tudun Biri community said on Wednesday that they were unaware of a suit filed at the Federal High Court in Kaduna by Dalhatu Salihu demanding N33 billion from the Federal Government over the attack.
Salihu claimed to be representing the victims of the accidental bombing.
Read also:Kaduna bombing: PDP demands inquiry and compensation for victims
In a swift response, during a visit to Kashim Ibrahim House in Kaduna, the community leaders disclaimed the suit and denied ever knowing Salihu
According to the community leaders, they were not aware and did not permit anyone to file a suit on their behalf.
The community leaders clarified that they had no knowledge of any Salihu within their community.
They also expressed satisfaction with the actions taken by the federal government and the support provided by the Kaduna State government so far.
During a thank-you visit to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, the Village Head of Tudun Biri, Mallam Balarabe Garba, expressed, “We learned that some people went to court on our behalf. We are not part of this; we didn’t support it, and we didn’t send anyone to go to court.
“We are peaceful people, and we don’t support taking the government to court. We are happy with the reaction of the Kaduna State and the Federal Government following the bomb incident.
“The Federal Government and the Kaduna State Government took several measures and made promises, and we can only appreciate them for their support.”
Read also:Tinubu orders investigation into Kaduna bombing
Additionally, Musa Saidu, the leader of the Christians in Tudun Biri, expressed gratitude to both the Kaduna State government and the Federal Government for their efforts in supporting the community following the accident.
“We are united, and we do things together. There is no way we are going to support anyone to take measures against the government who came to our assistance and is doing everything possible to ensure the welfare of the people of the community.
“On behalf of the Christians in Tudun Biri, we have not mandated anyone to take the government to court.”
Ashiru Ja’afaru, the Chief Imam of Tudun Biri, conveyed his pleasure regarding the community’s attention during the unfortunate incident. He further mentioned the community’s commitment to supporting the government in fulfilling its promises.
Read also:Obi visits Kaduna air strike victims, demands adequate military funding
“We didn’t mandate anybody to take government to court. Whoever did that is not from us; we didn’t know him and he is doing it without our permission. We urge the Kaduna State government to find him and let the law take its course,” he said.
In his response, the governor said several parties had made efforts to give the bomb incident religious coloration or politicise it, but that the community resisted the overtures.
“The gap between their church and mosque is less than 100 metres. The idea of anyone going to court on behalf of the family of the victims is not true. The community asked us to investigate the issue and anyone found wanting would face the law.
“We assured them that the Kaduna State government will continue to support them. We want to form a committee to decide how to share the money that has been donated to them by well-meaning Nigerians; we want them to bring five people from their community as members of this committee.
“The donations would go directly to the family of those who lost their lives and those in the hospital.
“We appreciate the family of the affected people for their resilience in resisting efforts by religious merchants who want to use this unfortunate incident to cause disharmony in our community.”
