Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the last election, has urged the military to exercise utmost caution and professionalism during operations.
Obi in a on his official X page on Tuesday, expressed sadness over army air strikes that killed scores of villagers in Kaduna.
On Sunday, many residents of Tudun Biri in Igabi LGA of Kaduna were reported dead after air strikes were launched on the community.
Some reports have put the death toll from the bombing at over 80, with scores left badly injured.
The Nigerian Army responsibility for the incident, stating that troops were on a routine mission against terrorists when the “mistake” occurred.
The former Anambra governor called on security agencies to work with reliable human intelligence reports on the ground before any offensive, to avoid accidents.
“I read with sadness, the devastating reports of the accidental bombing of Tudun Biri Village in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, by a Nigerian Army craft that mistook the villagers for terrorists,” Obi said.
“While our military continues to fight impressively against insecurity in many parts of the country, they must exercise utmost caution and professionalism to avoid this kind of embarrassment to both the military and the country.
“Any incident that leads to harm or loss of lives of the innocent people they are meant to protect should be avoided.
“Even though the mishap is one too many, the security agencies should work with reliable human intelligence report on ground before any offensive attack to avoid innocent casualties as has reported in this case.
“Fatal mistakes like this leave indelible trauma on the families who have lost their loved ones to this ugly and unfortunate mishap.
“I sincerely commiserate with families that lost their loved ones. And to the dead, I pray God Almighty to forgive their sins and grant them eternal rest, and quick healing to the injured.
“We pray that such a mistake leading to a sorrowful outcome, as this, never happens again in our country.
“It is regrettable that the problem of insecurity in our nation has persisted for so long that we are now paying such unintended human costs as collateral damage.” (The Cable)
