DHQ inaugurates 8-man panel to investigate accidental Kaduna drone strike   

The Defence Headquarters said on Wednesday it has inaugurated an 8-man investigation panel into the December 3 accidental drone strike of the Tudun Biri community in Kaduna State, leading to the deaths of nearly 100 people and injuries to several others.

The move is part of the effort to unravel key facts behind the bombing that shocked the country and the international community.

Major Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, made this known in Abuja.

He explained that the investigative panel, made up of senior officers from across the military establishment, was set up by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Gwabim Musa.

“Apart from being drawn from the services, their membership cut across the six geopolitical zones of the country.

“The panel was set up on December 8, 2023. The outcome of their effort will be communicated in due course.”

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had called for a detailed investigation into a military drone attack that killed at least 85 civilians in Kaduna State , northern Nigeria.

The strike, which was aimed at extremist terrorists operating in the state, is one of Nigeria’s deadliest military accidents.

Tinubu said “the bombing mishap” in Tundun Biri village was “very unfortunate, disturbing and painful,” his spokesperson Ajuri Ngelale said in a statement.

“The president directs a thorough and full-fledged investigation into the incident and calls for calm while the authorities look diligently into the mishap,” said Ngelale.

The accidental discharge comes barely a year after a drone of the Nigerian Air Force killed about 38 Fulani herders in the Rukubi community of Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

Reports say the herders were returning from Markurdi, Benue State capital, where they went to retrieve hundreds of cows seized by the Benue Livestock Guards.