The Tudun Biri Tragedy

              The bombings of people who gathered for “Maulud” on the 3rd December, 2023 by the Nigerian army “drone” in Tudun Biri, Igabi LGA of Rigasa District in Kaduna State is very disheartening. Is it an “Intelligence”, “commanding” or “technical” failure? Why is it a recurring incident under a professional armed forces like ours? Should we continue to accept a “repeated” incident of this nature as mistake? 

This must not be swept under the carpet as the previous ones. There should and or must be a “thorough” and “transparent” investigation to unravel the real “causes” of this “avoidable disaster” in order to prevent a repeat. There must be payment of “Diyya”(Blood Money) to the families of the deceased by the government.

However, it seems like we have not learnt any “lesson” from Boko Haram crisis. Conspiracy theories made it last longer than necessary. We are at it again! There are now so many conspiracy theories being dished out left, right and centre by many people especially politicians on the unfortunate incident of Tudun Biri. It is sad to note that we often “politicize” security issues or whip up “ethnic” or “regional” and or “religious” sentiments. 

Conspiracy thoeries both nationally and internationally were “responsible for the escalation of Boko Haram crisis beyond imagination. From the onset, some non western educated people supported the “sect” because they erroneously believed that western educated people (‘Yan Boko) were agents of “corruption”, inequality, injustice, and embezzlement which are all taught in western schools. Some people in Borno State were clapping, dancing and rejoicing anytime Boko Haram hit security agencies. The sect members were initially being “hailed” and “shielded” by their parents, brothers and sisters until it backfired.  

In the same vein, at the height of Boko Haram crisis, despite the fact that most of the Boko Haram leaders and members are “Kanuris” some northerners alleged that it was created by President Jonathan in order to “depopulate” the north. On the other hand, it was alleged that some southerners advised president Jonathan not to take the “fight” against Boko Haram “serious” because it was created by the north in order to embarrass him and make his government ungovernable. After all whose people were being killed by the sect! It was further alleged that it was a conspiracy theory that made president Jonathan to “doubt” the infamous abduction of Chibok schoolgirls in 2014 until 17 days after.

Killings of Nigerians by the armed forces in the name of “mistakes” is increasingly becoming inexcusable. From the previous government to now it has happened in at least eight different states of the federation; namely: Borno, Yobe, Niger, Zamfara, Kastina, Nasarawa and Kaduna. Let us continue to hold our political leaders to account on their primary responsibility of protection of our lives and property without prejudice on their ethnic group or religion. They must be alive to their responsibilities!

As we acknowledge and salute the sacrifices being made by our gallant armed forces in protecting us we must therefore urge them to remain professional in their services to the nation.

May the Almighty Allah forgive the shortcomings of those who died in Tudun Biri.

     Nurudeen Dauda, Kaduna State