Kaduna Killings: Sheikh Bauchi, PDP Demand Probe, Compensation for Victims’ Families

Chuks Okocha in Abuja, Segun Awofadeji in Bauchi and Ibrahim Oyewale in Lokoja

A renowned Islamic Scholar, and leader of Tijjaniyyah Disciples, Sheikh Dahiru Usman Bauchi,  has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to as a matter of urgency, constitute an Investigative panel into the recent accidental killing of innocent people celebrating Maulud in Tudun Biri community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, by the army.

Also, the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has said it was alarmed by the killing of over 120 Nigerians and wounding several others in the reported accidental bombing of a Kaduna community.

At the same time, the Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has expressed his condolences on behalf of the People and Government of the state to his counterpart in Kaduna, as well as the citizens and government of the state, in the wake of the regrettable bombing.

However, Bauchi, who reacted to the development while speaking with journalists yesterday at his Bauchi residence, said a thorough probe of the incident would bring out the real situation.

He also called on the government to ensure payment of compensation to the families of the Muslim ummah killed in the accident.

“We want the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to stand firm to ensure justice for the affected people killed while celebrating Maulud, and punish the officers that carried out this dastardly act to prevent future occurrences,” he said.

He also called for the upholding of the “principles of protecting their dignity, protect their fundamental human rights to live, to practice their religion without hindrance and to uphold human rights and international humanitarian law.”

The PDP, in a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of the party, Debo Ologunagba, said the fact that the area was bombed twice raised serious concern and questions bordering on intelligence gathering, information processing, synergy, command and operation control coordination in the security system.

It therefore, called on the federal government to immediately commence an independent system-wide inquiry to dispassionately investigate the sad and unfortunate episode.

“Our party deeply commiserated with the families of the victims of the bombing and prays for the speedy recovery of the wounded,” Ologunagba said.

On his part, Bello, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Muhammed Onogwu, observed a  minute silence in honour of those who lost their lives in the unfortunate incident during the State Executive Council Meeting at the EXCO Hall of the governor’s office in Lokoja and conveyed his condolences to the government and people of the state.

He stressed the importance of a thorough investigation into the incident while urging the Nigerian Armed Forces to remain resolute in their mission to eradicate terrorists, bandits, and criminals in the region, pointing out  the need for continued efforts to protect Nigerians  from all forms of insecurity.