The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Christopher Musa has said that the military is working to ensure that accidental air strikes targeting civilians do not reoccur.
On December 3, an accidental air strike by the Nigerian Army killed over 100 residents of Tudun Biri village in Igabi LGA of Kaduna.
Over 60 others were wounded in the unfortunate incident.
Musa spoke on Wednesday when he appeared before the house of representatives committee on defence, said the Tudun Biri incident was regrettable.
The CDS said the military’s duty is to protect Nigerians and not kill them.
“I want to mention the sad incident in Kaduna that occurred. It shouldn’t have. It was a mistake, it was never deliberate
“We are meant to protect our citizens not to kill them. That is highly regrettable. We assure you that we will continue to work until everybody is free and there is no more threat to any life and property in Nigeria.
“But we are taking steps to ensure that we address it and so that it doesn’t reoccur”, the CDS said.
Musa assured that the military is committed to executing its mandate to ensure that there is peace and tranquillity in Nigeria
He said further that, “There are challenges all over the region. We are working together as a team in synergy among the armed forces, and other security agencies and we call on all Nigerians to take ownership of the challenges that are going on in Nigeria.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility not only our own. We are happy that you know our challenges and you are ready and willing to assist and we assure you that we will not take that for granted.
“We assure you, including all Nigerians that we are ready to go forward (with) whatever it takes for us to ensure that there is peace in Nigeria because it is not only for us to, it is for our children.
“We all grew up in an atmosphere of peace and justice and that is what we are working towards.”
Chairman of the committee, said he understands the challenges being faced by the military and promised to provide the necessary support.
He said, “We understand that you live in a very challenging situation. We understand that you need money for barracks, weapons aircraft, and there is paucity of funds.”
CDS: We are working to ensure accidental air strikes targeting civilians do not reoccur
