Anyone found culpable in the accidental bombing of villagers on a religious procession in Kaduna will be punished, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu vowed yesterday.
The Federal Government has promised to rebuild Tudun Biri village, Afaka ward of Rigasa District in Igabi Local Government Area, where a routine terrorists-targeted air strike by the Army hit civilians on Sunday night.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, commiserated with the victims’ family members and called for their compensation and said everything must be done to prevent a recurrence.
The military said it would review its strategies but would not be deterred in its mission against terrorists and bandits.
Vice President Kashim Shettima, who represented President Tinubu, visited Kaduna to commiserate with the state government and those affected.
Minister of State for Defense Bello Matawalle, Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Christopher Musa and Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja had visited the families of those killed and sympathize with the injured at the hospital.
Shettima visited Barau Dikko Specialist Hospital, Kaduna, where he prayed for the recovery of the injured.
He said all the victims would be taken good care of.
Shettima said: “The government will get to the root of the issue and anyone found wanting will be punished accordingly.
“We expect a report with immediate effect on the incident.
The heart of the President is with the bereaved families.
“Rest assured that the Federal Government stands by the community and the government and people of Kaduna on this unfortunate incident.”
He said the Federal government would launch a programme under the Fulako Initiative, which would commence by next month in the Tudun Biri area.
He explained: “The Fulako Initiative is the President’s unique response as a non-kinetic solution to the challenges in the Northwest.
The beneficiary states are Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna and for the purpose of equity and justice, we included Niger and Benue.
“The President has directed that the Fulako Initiative should be kick-started in Kaduna, and Tudun Biri will be the first beneficiary community.”
According to him, under the initiative, the Federal Government will build houses, clinics, schools, and veterinary hospitals, and implement empowerment initiatives, among others.
It is going to be a complete package of solutions; non-kinetic responses to the problems of banditry and kidnapping in the Northwest.
“Under the initiative, 500 houses will be built in the northern part of Kaduna and another 500 in the southern part,” Shettima said.
The Vice President added: “I am here because the President is deeply concerned. He was deeply touched by what happened.
