Nigerian Air Force Reacts to Allegations of Bombing Kaduna Village; Emergency Security Meeting Convened

In response to reports of a bombing incident in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has vehemently denied any involvement in the tragic incident that claimed the lives of several villagers during a Maulud celebration.

Contrary to earlier claims that an NAF-operated jet dropped a bomb around 9 pm on Sunday, the Air Force’s spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, clarified that NAF had not conducted any air operations in Kaduna within the past 24 hours. Gabkwet went on to assert that NAF is not the sole service operating combat armed drones in the region.

The Nigerian Air Force issued a comprehensive statement emphasizing the falsehood of the accusations, urging the media to exercise due diligence before disseminating unverified and unconfirmed reports. The statement, released on December 3, 2023, by Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information, categorically stated that NAF had not undertaken any air operations in Kaduna State recently.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State government has convened an emergency security meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe. The meeting, attended by the Air Officer Commanding Air Training Command of the Nigerian Air Force, addresses the pressing need for an official response from the Kaduna government and the agency responsible for the alleged bombing.

As the situation unfolds, other security stakeholders in the state are expected to participate in the meeting, providing a platform for coordinated efforts to address the aftermath of the incident. Official statements from the Kaduna government and the relevant agency are anticipated to shed light on the circumstances surrounding the tragedy in Tudun Biri village.