Army Airstrike Kills 85 Civilians, Injures 66; President Orders Probe

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu has ordered a probe into a military airstrike that killed 85 civilians who were gathered for a Muslim festival in Igabi.

The Nigerian army's military jet dropped a bomb in Tudun Biri village Sunday night. It was targeting rebels but instead killed civilians celebrating Maulud.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Tuesday confirmed that 85 people were killed and 66 others were injured in the incident.

"The Northwest Zonal Office has received details from the local authorities that 85 dead bodies have so far been buried while the search is still ongoing," NEMA said in a statement.

President Tinubu dubbed the incident "very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful." He ordered a full-fledged investigation into the incident and called for calm.

Kaduna State Gov. Uba Sani on Monday said the government is "determined to prevent a repeat of this tragedy and reassure our people that their protection will be prioritized in the sustained fight against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements."

The area was evacuated following the bombing and the injured were taken to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for emergency medical attention. The governor said the government will bear their treatment expenses.

"The state government has dispatched top government officials to the area to assess the situation, reach out to the families of the victims and advise the government on the immediate actions and measures to be taken to lessen the pains of the families of the victims," Sani added.

After extending condolences to the victims' families, Sani said the government "regrets the loss of lives and remains committed to ensuring that residents continue to live and conduct their legitimate businesses without fear."

Residents said the bomb exploded when they all gathered in the village to participate in the Maulud procession.

Nigeria has been dealing with several internal conflicts, including attacks from bandits. Last month, armed bandits opened fire at people celebrating Maulud in Rugar Kusa village in Katsina State. It led to the death of at least nine people and injured 16. In July, eight people, including an eight-month-old, were killed by bandits in Plateau and Benue states.