Kaduna bombing: North East elders absolve military hierarchy of responsibility

• The elders stated that insinuations that the military orchestrated the bombing of the villagers were malicious and insensitive

The North East Elders for Restoration and Development (NEERD) has implored those trying to smear the image of the military over the accidental bombing of villagers in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State, to desist.

The elders stated that insinuations that the military orchestrated the bombing of the villagers were malicious and insensitive.

The association made their position known in a statement by its President, Mallam Buba Tanko, and the Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, on Sunday in Abuja.

Recall that a Nigerian Army drone had, on Dec. 3, mistakenly killed and injured many people at Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

On their part, the group said it was unfortunate that certain persons are now weaving a yarn of ethno-religious sentiments around the issue and using such to blackmail the military, which had continued to make sacrifices for the peace and stability of the country.

They said that those raising the allegations should have studied the antecedent of the present leadership of the military, especially the Chief of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa.

According to them, it is unfortunate that some people are being used to escalate the tension in the North for selfish interests.

“For example, the present Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Musa, was Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai.

“His stay in the North-East is enough to vouch that the Armed Forces of Nigeria under him will not descend to attack those it is protecting.

“During his stay in the North-East, Gen. Musa ensured that peace was not only restored but people, irrespective of ethnicity and religion began to return to their various means of livelihood.

“We must not be blinded by ethno-religious sentiments at this time the country is going through economic and security challenges.

“Any one bringing up these insinuations at this time, don’t love Nigeria,” they said.

The elders commended the armed forces for what it has done, especially in the North-East.

They urged residents of the region to continue to support the military in the effort to achieve total peace in the North-East and the country as a whole.