The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), says 85 people were killed in the air attack by the Nigerian Army on Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
NEMA North-West zonal spokesman, Halima Suleiman, told reporters at a press briefing, that 66 additional people were injured in the Sunday bombing.
She stated that the total fatality figures were obtained from local officials following the burial of the bodies on Monday.
“The Northwest Zonal Office has received details from the local authorities that 85 dead bodies have so far been buried while a search is still ongoing,” NEMA said.
However, emergency personnel were still working with community leaders to defuse tensions so that they could enter the area.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered a probe on Tuesday after the army admitted that one of its drones had accidentally struck the Tudun Biri hamlet as people were celebrating a Muslim festival.
The army did not provide death estimates but residents stated that 85 people were murdered in the incident, many of whom were women and children.
“President Tinubu describes the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful, expressing indignation and grief over the tragic loss of Nigerian lives,” the presidential spokesman, Ajuri Ngelale said in a statement.
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani also ordered a complete inquiry into the event on Sunday, promising citizens that their security and protection will be prioritized in the ongoing fight against terrorists, bandits, and other criminal groups.
In a statement made to express condolences to the Tudun Biri community following the unfortunate occurrence, the governor stated that his administration is dedicated to preventing a repeat of the incident.
The governor directed that the injured be immediately evacuated to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for emergency medical assistance and that the Kaduna State Government would be responsible for their treatment and related logistics.
He, however, urged the affected community and other state residents to be calm and to continue to support the security forces and the state government in their fight against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups in the state.
Tudun Biri: Army airstrike killed 85, injured 66 persons– NEMA confirms
