Controversies continue to trail the Nigeria Army’s airstrikes that killed several persons in Tudun Biri village of Kaduna state as the North East Elders for Restoration and Development (NEERD) expressed displeasure over what it described as “deliberate attempt to blackmail the military”
In a statement signed by its President, Mallam Buba Tanko and Secretary, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello, on Sunday, December 10, the group alleged that some persons were trying to exploit the “accidental airstrike” under the guise of “ethno-religious insinuations”.
The statement warned that such insinuations were aimed at tarnishing the image of the military and creating division among Nigerians.
The group added that the military leadership, under the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, has demonstrated commitment and dedication to restoring peace and stability in the region, which had been ravaged by insurgency and terrorism for over a decade.
“We wish to remind those behind these insinuations that the military is a national institution that belongs to all Nigerians, regardless of their ethnicity or religion. The military has been making sacrifices and risking their lives to protect the sovereignty and integrity of the nation, as well as the lives and property of the citizens.
“We also wish to remind them that the present Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, is a distinguished officer who has served the nation with honour and distinction. He was the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, the counter-insurgency operation in the North-East, where he recorded remarkable achievements in the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists”, Bello said.
Parts of the statement read: “It is therefore unfair and unjust to accuse such a patriotic and exemplary officer of being involved in any act that would harm the people he has sworn to protect. We urge those making such allegations to desist from doing so, as they are only hurting the nation and themselves.
“We call on all Nigerians to support the military and appreciate their efforts in securing the nation and its people. We also call on the media and the civil society to be objective and responsible in their reportage and commentary on the incident, and avoid sensationalism and incitement.
“We appeal to the people of Tudun Biri and Kaduna State in general to remain calm and peaceful, and not to allow themselves to be used by mischief-makers who want to exploit the situation for their selfish interests.
“We commend the military for their swift response and apology over the incident, and their promise to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure that justice is done. We also commend the Kaduna State Government for its prompt intervention and assistance to the victims and their families.
“We pray that God will grant the departed souls eternal rest, and heal the land of all forms of violence and insecurity.”
