TheCable

The Southern Kaduna Peoples Union (SOKAPU) has appealed for more support and donations to victims of military air strikes on Tudun Biri village in Igabi LGA of Kaduna.

The death toll from the miscalculated air strike, which occurred on Sunday, has now reportedly surpassed 100.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Ishaya Auta, caretaker committee chairman of SOKAPU, asked individuals, non-governmental organisations and philanthropists to complement the efforts of governments in supporting victims of the air strike.

The group demanded an investigation into the incident to ensure that those found culpable are made to face justice.

SOKAPU urged the military and other security agencies to always do due diligence before carrying out any air strike.

“SOKAPU regrets that when the state was having a sight of relief from the insecurity bedevilling 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,” the statement reads.

“Though regrettable as it is, SOKAPU commends the Army for its prompt admittance to responsibility for the bomb tragedy, which it attributed to an error strike, with assurances of commitment to avoid future recurrence.

“SOKAPU wish to commend 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 a commitment to giving appropriate compensation to the affected families.

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