TheCable

Christopher Musa, chief of defence staff, says any personnel of the armed forces found culpable in the accidental killing of villagers in Igabj LGA of Kaduna will be punished.

On December 2, many residents of Tudun Biri in Igabi LGA of Kaduna were killed in an air strike said to be targeted at terrorists.

The villagers were reportedly commemorating the birth of Prophet Muhammad when the jet dropped the bomb that led to the deaths of many people.

According to multiple reports, the death toll from the incident was over 120 while scores were left badly injured.

The army claimed responsibility for the incident, saying that its troops were on a routine mission against terrorists when the “mistake” occurred.

Reacting to the incident, President Bola Tinubu had described it as disturbing, and ordered a probe.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, Musa said the incident was highly regrettable as the army’s mandate is to protect the lives of civilians.

He added that the investigation would be transparent.

“The incident in Kaduna is highly regrettable, it should not have been,” Musa said.

“Our mandate is to protect civilians, not to kill, maim or destroy.

“At that particular time, we were in the heat of pursuing some bandits within that general area and unfortunately this happened.

“I am happy the commander-in-chief has instituted a committee to look into the incident and advise on how to move forward and how to prevent a recurrence.

“Whatever happens, we shall identify the casualties and arrange for compensation.

“I assure all Nigerians that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is here for Nigerians and we want Nigerians to take ownership of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.”

Musa added that the military, as a disciplined organisation, would not shield any officer found culpable in the incident.

“If they are found guilty they will definitely face punishment and I can assure you that we are going to be transparent about it,” he said.

“Members of the committee will not even be serving members of the armed forces so that we can have that fairness in the process.

“I am sure you know in Maiduguri we have jailed a lot of personnel and you can go and verify.

“In the armed forces, we do not shield offenders. You commit an offence, you go for it and that is why we have that level of discipline.”

Musa urged Nigerians to be patient and await the outcome of the investigation.