By GARBA MUHAMMAD, Kaduna

The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) has called for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the devastating and most tragic incident that unfolded at Tudun-Biri village in Igabi Local Government of Kaduna state, during a Maulud celebration.

It also called on the authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the subsisting laws.

A statement Tuesday by Professor Khalid Abubakar Aliyu Secretary General, JNI reads:

“JNI stands in profound consternation and grief over the tragic incident that unfolded at Tudun-Biri village in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna state, during a Maulud celebration, as was reported.

“It is thus with heavy hearts that we express our deepest condolences and

Sympathies to the families, as well as the loved ones of the deceased victims, and we fervently pray for the swift recovery and healing of those injured.

“Nevertheless, the purported bombing of Muslims faithful by the supposed aerial patrol, resulting in the reported loss of no fewer than 100 innocent lives is a reprehensible and deeply condemnable act.

“Such a callous and devastating incident is utterly antithetical to the principles of peace and unity that we, as a community, strive to uphold at this critical moment of the Nigerian nationhood, and the act portends danger, especially to military civil relationship.

“Moreover, JNI is in utter disbelief that the military will act in such a manner knowing fully that before any operation is carried out due diligence is usually carried out, backed with irrefutable intelligence.

“What happened to airspace control procedure? Is not the norm that directives issued by competent military authority for combat engagement are well delineated? Does it not require a commander to plan minimal causality, while conducting attacks, where there may be civilians and/or seek to avoid, if not feasible, minimize the incidental harm to civilians? What about the theory of minimal collateral damage? Isn’t the military reflective of the principles of military necessity, humanity, proportionality and distinction? One really finds it difficult to comprehend what happened in TudunBiri, as signals a very wrong path to thread, especially that the Nigerian citizens buy-in should be sought more at this critical moment of the fight against all forms of criminalities in Nigeria.

“JNI therefore vehemently condemns this tragic incident in its entirety and calls for a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the devastating and most unfortunate event.

“We urge authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable in accordance with the subsisting laws. We also call on the Federal Government of Nigeria through its relevant MDAs, to as a matter of urgency take up the medicals of all the affected victims and pay the due ransom of all the deceased.

“This call has become inevitable considering that similar episodes have occurred in recent past in Yobe, Zamfara, Borno and other places.

“We implore Allah’s infinite mercy upon the departed souls, praying for their peaceful repose in Jannatul Firdaws, and beseech Him to grant patience and solace to the bereaved families during this incredibly difficult time. May Allah, the Most Merciful, bestow healing and swift recovery upon the injured. As we navigate through this trying period, JNI calls upon all members of the Ummah to remain steadfast in prayers and solidarity, advocating for peace, justice, and harmony in our respective communities.

“In conclusion, JNI reiterates its unwavering commitment to pursuing justice and ensuring that such heartbreaking incidents do not recur. We urge everyone to exercise restraint and patience as we await the outcome of investigations on the matter.”