The Defence Headquarters has expressed regret over the loss of innocent lives during the Nigerian Army’s aerial bombardment of Ligarma village in Kaduna State, underscoring that the operation successfully neutralized several embedded terrorists. These events have elicited reactions from various stakeholders, including the President, religious leaders, and local officials.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, acknowledged the tragedy and emphasized the need for communities to promptly alert security forces about terrorist activities, particularly in areas known to harbor such threats. The DHQ highlighted the deliberate tactics of terrorists to exploit civilian populations, emphasizing the military’s commitment to avoiding such tragic incidents and operating within international laws.
In light of the incident, President Bola Tinubu has called for a comprehensive investigation and urged the public to remain calm as authorities address the aftermath of the airstrike. He expressed condolences to the affected families and emphasized the provision of medical care for the survivors.Additionally, Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, personally visited Tudun Biri community to express remorse and tender apologies for the unfortunate mishap. He emphasized ongoing efforts by the Nigerian Army to rid the area of armed bandits, while also initiating a thorough inquiry to identify operational deficiencies and prevent future occurrences.
Furthermore, district leaders and government officials, including a delegation led by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe, and religious organizations like the Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), have all taken steps to offer condolences and support to the affected community. The JNI, in particular, condemned the incident, expressing disbelief at the loss of innocent lives and calling for stringent adherence to military operational procedures.These developments underscore the complexity of military operations in conflict zones and the imperative of mitigating civilian casualties during counter-terrorism efforts. The aftermath of the Kaduna airstrike serves as a poignant reminder of the delicate balance between combatting terrorism and safeguarding civilian lives.
By delving into the complexities of the incident and the subsequent response, it becomes evident that the tragedy in Ligarma village has reverberated across multiple levels of Nigerian society, prompting introspection, empathy, and calls for accountability.
