An airstrike has reportedly killed many people at Tudun Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The incident is said to have occurred around 9pm on Sunday when villagers gathered for Maulud celebration.
The air strike was initially alleged to have been carried out by a jet operated by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) but the Force has denied this.
Reacting to this claim, the Air Force through its spokesman, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, noted that NAF has not carried out any air operation in Kaduna within the last 24 hours.
Commodore Gabkwet further asserted that NAF is not the only Service operating combat armed drones within the region.
Below is a full statement from the Nigerian Air Force.
THE NAF HAS NOT UNDERTAKEN ANY AIR OPERATIONS IN KADUNA STATE IN THE LAST 24 HOURS
The news making the rounds alleging that Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft accidentally killed innocent civilians in Kaduna is false. Please be informed that the NAF has not carried out any air operations within Kaduna State and environs in the last 24 hours. Also, note that the NAF is not the only organization operating combat armed drones in the North western region of Nigeria.
It is also important to ensure that due diligence is always exhausted by the media before going to press with unverified and unconfirmed reports.
Thank you.
Edward Gabkwet
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information
Nigerian Air Force
3 December 2023
Meanwhile, the Kaduna State government has called for an emergency security meeting.
