By Israel Attah, Kaduna
Former Vice-President Namadi Sambo and the Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu-Bamali, yesterday called for speedy investigations into the accidental airstrike on Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State which claimed no fewer than 100 lives.
The village was hit by an erroneous while celebrating the Maulud by a bomb in which the Nigerian Army claimed responsibility.
The former vice president and the emir made the call while speaking with journalists shortly after paying a condolence visit to the state governor, Senator Uba Sani, in Kaduna yesterday.
Sambo said the call for investigations by the President, Bola Tinubu, and other notable Nigerians, was a welcome development.
According to him, the investigation should be done speedily, adding that such an accidental airstrike must be the last in the country.
He also disclosed that aside from the condolence visit, he and the monarch, briefed the governor over the Zaria Central Mosque that collapsed sometime this year.
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Sambo said, “We are here to commiserate and extend our sincere condolence to the governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, and the people of Kaduna State and indeed all Nigerians on the unfortunate incident at Tudun Biri.
“I pray that the Almighty Allah grant them eternal rest, and those that were injured to get well soon. I want to use this opportunity to also console the Emir of Zazzau who is also here on a condolence visit.
“Secondly, the purpose of our visit is to brief the governor about the development of Zaria Central Mosque. You are all aware of the unfortunate incident where the Mosque collapsed and several people lost their lives. The Emir of Zazzau formed a technical committee on the reconstruction of the Mosque.
“I chaired the committee and I briefed the governor on the progress made so far. And I want to make it clear that we are not here to seek government funds. This project as you are aware had a public fundraising in Abuja. There will be a second one and there will be continuous fundraising for the reconstruction.
“I would also like to thank the governor for all the support he is giving to ensure that those who were affected are well compensated. I am also thanking in particular the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. We have heard that the President has directed that those affected are well compensated.
“He has also directed that the affected village should be completely reconstructed and all social amenities that a civil society required should be provided. So we thank the President, the governor, and the good people of Kaduna State and Nigeria for supporting the reconstruction.
“We are in support of probing the incident and we made it clear that this should be the last one. A proper investigation should be carried out. Indeed Governor Uba Sani has confirmed to us that a high-level independent investigation panel will be set up so that once and for all this type of incident will not happen again.”
Also speaking, the Emir said he backed the call for an independent investigation of the unfortunate incident and noted that this(investigation) be done in the shortest time.
He said, “I think His Excellency, the former Vice President has spoken very well on this matter. I share the same view on the independent investigation panel and the governor has confirmed and also the President himself. So we are optimistic and hoping that this should be done within the shortest time.
“We have seen that those in the hospital have started coming back to their senses and lives. We are calling on authorities not to allow people to speak recklessly on social media about the incident, that is not acceptable.”
On his part, Governor Sani said, expressed delivery delight over the solidary that greeted the incident from all and sundry.
“From the moment the incident happened there was a high level of solidarity from across the country. Most importantly, Mr President has assured everybody that a proper investigation will be carried out and compensation will be paid.
“The President of the country is at the forefront of seeking justice. We are calling on the people to continue to have faith in the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. It is our prayer that this incident should be the last in our country,” the Governor said.
