The governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, has announced that the rebuilding of Tudun Biri village, destroyed by a military airstrike on Sunday, will commence within the next three weeks.
The air strike, intended to target terrorists, accidentally hit a religious gathering on Sunday and killed at least 85 civilians, leaving many injured.
“Muslim faithful observing Maulud celebration were mistakenly killed and many others injured following a military drone attack targeting terrorists and bandits,” said the Kaduna State government.
Sani, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Friday, said Vice President Kashim Shettima assured him of the federal government’s full support in the reconstruction effort, noting the importance of rebuilding the community to promote healing and restore calm.
“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,” Sani said.
“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.”
Vice President Shettima, who visited the community on Thursday, announced a comprehensive rebuilding plan called the Pullako Initiative.
This initiative will include the construction of houses, hospitals, schools, and other essential infrastructure, as well as the provision of veterinary services and solar energy.
“The President approved the commencement of the Pullako Initiative by next month. The Pullako Initiative is the President’s unique response as a non-kinetic approach to the challenges in the North West.
“Beneficiary states are Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna, and for the purpose of equity and justice, we deliberately included Niger and Benue States.”
Shettima noted that Tudun Biri will be the first beneficiary of the initiative, stating, “We are going to build houses that will complement the efforts of the Right Honorable Speaker.”
The federal government has also announced plans to compensate the families of the victims. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) is mobilising resources to provide immediate assistance to the affected community.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, visited Tudun Biri on Tuesday and apologised for the incident, describing it as “very disheartening,” and ordered an investigation to prevent future occurrences and ensure accountability.
Despite the government’s efforts, residents of Tudun Biri continue to demand justice for the victims. Protests erupted at the National Assembly on Wednesday, with residents urging Defence Minister Abubakar Badaru to either live up to his responsibilities or resign.
Over 300 civilians have been killed in NAF airstrikes since 2017, according to a report titled “Air Force Mishaps” published in February 2023 by SBM Intelligence, a research organisation that compiles and analyses data about events in the country.
In January 2023, about 37 people, including 27 pastoralists, were killed after a bomb exploded at the border linking Benue and Nasarawa states at the Doma local government area of Nasarawa State.
Also, in April 2022, a NAF fighter jet reportedly killed six children when it fired a bomb targeted at terrorists in Kurebe village in Shiroro LGA of Niger State and in June 2022, 13 residents were injured while one other died after a NAF fighter jet struck Kunkuna village in the Safana LGA of Katsina on July 7, 2022, among others.
