SOKAPU Seeks Support for Victims of Kaduna Bombing Error

By John Shiklam in Kaduna

The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU), have appealed to  nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) and well spirited groups and  individuals to complement  government efforts in supporting victims of the error  bomb that claimed over 100 lives, leaving many others injured in Tudun Biri community, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

Ishaya  Auta,  Caretaker Committee Chairman of SOKAPU, made the appeal in a statement on Saturday in Kaduna.
Auta commiserated with the families of the victims and prayed for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

He regretted that just when the state was breathing a sigh of relief from the insecurity following a new approach being deployed by the current administration in fighting insurgence and other criminal elements, the unfortunate incident occurred claiming  over 80 innocent lives with many others  injured.
The group called for thorough  investigation of the incident with a view to ensure that appropriate sanctions  are meted out on  those found culpable to forestall future recurrence.

Auta  cautioned the military, as a professional security agency, to always ensure due diligence in  carrying out its operations.
“The Southern Kaduna People’s Union (SOKAPU) wish to extend its heartfelt condolences and sympathy with the government of Kaduna State and families of those who lost their lives in the military bomb tragedy in Tudun Biri Village of Igabi Local Government Area of the State on 3rd December, 2023”, the statement reads.

“SOKAPU prays for the repose of their souls. The region’s sociocultural group also shares in the pains of the victims who sustained various degrees of injuries and currently receiving treatment in different hospitals.
“SOKAPU regrets that when the state was having a sight of relief from the insecurity bedeviling the nation, owing to the new approach being deployed in fighting the insurgency by the current government, the unfortunate incident occurred where over eighty (80) unarmed innocent lives were lost, with many who sustained injuries.

“Though regrettable as it is, SOKAPU commends the Army for its prompt admittance to  responsibility of the bomb tragedy, which it attributed to an error strike, with assurances of commitment to avoid future recurrence.
“However, SOKAPU hereby calls  for full investigation by the relevant professional bodies/agencies of the cause of the incident and appropriate sanction be meted on those found culpable to forestall future recurrence.

“We caution that the military as a professional security agency should always adhere to professional conduct in carrying out its operations in any location of duty.
“SOKAPU wish to comment the government both at the federal and state levels for their prompt responses in footing the hospital bills of injured persons who are receiving treatment, with  commitment to give appropriate compensation to the affected families.

“SOKAPU hereby appealed to relevant government agencies, NGOs and spirited individuals to complement the laudable steps being taking by giving the needed support to cushion the effect of the incident, as the unfortunate incident affects the state as a whole”