The National Emergency Management Agency has confirmed that 85 people lost their lives and 66 others sustained injuries in the accidental air attack carried out by the Nigerian Army on Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

NEMA North-West zonal spokesman, Halima Suleiman, provided the grim statistics during a press briefing, stating, “The Northwest Zonal Office has received details from the local authorities that 85 dead bodies have so far been buried while a search is still ongoing.”

Emergency personnel are working with community leaders to defuse tensions and gain access to the affected area.

The tragedy occurred on Sunday when a drone operated by the Nigerian Army inadvertently struck Tudun Biri hamlet while residents were celebrating a Muslim festival.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered a probe into the incident, expressing his deep concern.

Presidential spokesman Ajuri Ngelale quoted Tinubu as saying, “President Tinubu describes the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful, expressing indignation and grief over the tragic loss of Nigerian lives.”

Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has also ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the event, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the security and protection of its citizens.

In a statement offering condolences to the Tudun Biri community, Governor Sani said, “My administration is dedicated to preventing a repeat of the incident.”

He directed the immediate evacuation of the injured to the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital for emergency medical assistance, with the state government taking responsibility for their treatment and related logistics.

Governor Sani urged the affected community and all residents to remain calm and continue supporting the security forces and the state government in the ongoing fight against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups in the state.