Breaking News: Federal Government Pledges To Penalize Perpetrators, ACF Calls For Removal Of GOC

The Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) has called for the removal of Major-General V.U. Okoro, the General Officer Commanding One Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna, following the accidental bombing of Tudun Biri in Kaduna State. The demand came as the Federal Government expressed its commitment to punishing those responsible for the unintended airstrike.

The air raid, initially intended to target terrorists, inadvertently struck civilians during a religious celebration in Tudun Biri on Sunday night. The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, reassured that the government would thoroughly investigate the incident and hold any culpable individuals accountable. Shettima emphasized that measures would be implemented to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

During his visit to victims of the bombing at Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital Kaduna, Shettima announced that those affected would receive support under the Fulako Initiative. The initiative, a non-kinetic solution to challenges in the North-West, includes Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Katsina, Kaduna, Niger, and Benue states. Tudun Biri will be the first community to benefit from the Fulako Initiative’s rebuilding efforts.

Shettima also disclosed plans for a comprehensive project beginning in January 2024, encompassing the construction of houses, clinics, schools, veterinary clinics, empowerment initiatives, and solar energy in Tudun Biri. He praised the Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Uba Sani, for uniting religious leaders during the challenging period.

Additionally, the ACF called for the redeployment of Major-General V.U. Okoro and his subordinate officers in Kaduna to ensure an unbiased investigation into the incident. The forum urged the defence headquarters to retract a statement and emphasized the need for an independent panel of investigators, with the investigation results made public. The ACF insisted that the Federal Government should take responsibility for compensating all victims of the Tudun Biri incident and previous similar events.