In a solemn admission, General Chris Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), acknowledged that the recent military drone strikes in Kaduna, resulting in numerous casualties, were indeed a regrettable mistake. Speaking during the graduation of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies’ Senior Executive Course, Gen. Musa expressed deep remorse over the incident, emphasizing that it was an unintended error rather than a deliberate act.
The drone strikes occurred during a religious festival in the Tudun Biri community, causing the tragic loss of approximately 88 lives, with at least 68 others sustaining injuries, predominantly women and children. General Musa, while addressing the unfortunate event, urged restraint in using it to undermine the morale of the troops committed to combating insecurity across the country.
“It was a mistake and not a deliberate act. The incident wasn’t on purpose; we are meant to protect Nigerians and cannot be seen killing them,” General Musa emphasized, seeking to deter the exploitation of the incident to dishearten the dedicated efforts of the troops.
Furthermore, the CDS stressed the military’s unwavering dedication to safeguarding the sanctity of human lives, asserting that the targeting of law-abiding citizens is never an intention of the armed forces. He called upon Nigerians to offer prayers and support to the military and other security agencies as they strive to eliminate the nation’s various security challenges.
The solemn expression of regret and commitment to upholding the nation’s security underscores the military’s determination to address the complexities of insecurity and protect the lives of all citizens. It also serves as a poignant reminder of the responsibility that comes with wielding the immense power of military force, illuminating the imperative for unwavering diligence and precision in safeguarding innocent lives.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of this tragic mistake, General Chris Musa’s poignant admission and plea for support resonate profoundly, reaffirming the imperative of transparency, accountability, and the pursuit of lasting solutions to prevent such heartbreaking errors in the future.
