The Kaduna State Government reports that the Nigerian Army has admitted to being responsible for inadvertently dropping a bomb on Tudun Biri in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The incident occurred during a Maulud celebration, resulting in the tragic death of at least 30 villagers. The event transpired around 9 pm on Sunday. Initially, the Nigerian Air Force had denied involvement in the attack.

According to a statement from Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the Director of Public Relations and Information for the Nigerian Air Force, NAF did not conduct any operations in Kaduna in the past 24 hours. However, Samuel Aruwan, the Overseeing Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, revealed that Maj Gen VU Okoro, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch, acknowledged that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission against terrorists when the incident occurred. 

This information was provided in a statement released by the commissioner shortly after a meeting with Islamic clerics, traditional rulers, and heads of security agencies, during which the circumstances leading to the unintentional attack were explained by the Nigerian Army.

The gathering took place at the Sir Kashim Ibrahim Government House in Kaduna on Monday.

The released statement conveyed, "Major VU Okoro, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, clarified that the Nigerian Army was on a routine mission targeting terrorists but inadvertently impacted members of the community.

He further noted that search-and-rescue operations were actively underway, with numerous injured victims already transported to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital under the state government's coordination.

Additionally, he relayed the deputy governor's expressions of sympathy to the victims' families, accompanied by prayers for the peaceful repose of the victims' souls.

The statement also outlined, "The Kaduna State Government has been briefed on the incident on Sunday night, resulting in the loss of several lives and injuries to others. During a meeting chaired by Deputy Governor Dr. Hadiza Balarabe, attended by security agency leaders, religious and traditional figures, the Nigerian Army provided an explanation for the regrettable and unintended attack. Major VU Okoro, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army, clarified that the Army was on a routine anti-terrorist mission, inadvertently impacting members of the community."

Following the conclusion of the confidential meeting, the deputy governor extended the government and people of Kaduna State's condolences to the families mourning their loved ones, offering prayers for the peaceful repose of the victims' souls.

At the time of this update, search-and-rescue operations persist, with numerous injured individuals being transported to Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital under the government's supervision.

Security agency leaders present at the meeting comprised the state Commissioner of Police, MY Garba; Director of the Department of State Services, Abdul Eneche; Prof. Shafi’u Abdullahi, Chairman of the Kaduna State Chapter of Jam’atu Nasril Islam, leading other religious figures; and Alhaji Aminu Idris, the District Head of Rigasa, where the incident occurred.