Favour Ozioma Ogbodo
Nigerians have said they are not confident that the enquiry set up by the Federal Government to ascertain the causes of the December 6 accidental bombing in Kaduna will yield desired results.
The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, had explained that the incident was due to a mistaken identity as Army officers on assignment to flush out terrorists mistook civilians who were at a religious gathering at Tudun Biri for bandits and terrorists.
However, the incident which claimed several lives and left many injured has continued to attract condemnations including from the pan-Northern political and cultural association, the Arewa Consultative Forum, and the Jama’tu Nasril Islam, saying that those found culpable should be punished.
Reacting to the ongoing investigation, some Nigerians expressed doubt that the report will make any impact on the public.
An X user, @Chu_ Odoemson, said “Suddenly! Suddenly!! Until we intentionally accept & affirm that every human life matters, political elites will continue to use the lives of others, usually the poor in society, to project their biases. Every unfortunate situation should’ve commensurate condemnation & treatment.”
Another user, @Adamu Lamire express dissatisfaction in the government’s speech without action stating, “We don’t like words, we need actions. Let’s see them punished.”
@ Amebo1on1 also expressed his view, saying “this bombing is definitely a set up and not a mistake.
“Start(ed) with Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff. The Nigerian Army lack the capacity to utilise drone or aircraft for warfare but they keep insisting on fighting alone.
“This is not a mistake but professional negligence which is punishable. We await your swift action.”
In response, Vice President Shettima assured the general public that the probe will be different. Speaking on Channels’ television morning show, Sunrise Daily, he said, “I am having the full assurance of Mr president.
“The FG and myself have spoken of this before time and we are all very worried. This is why the Chief of Armed Staff came out to take responsibility. For me, it is a step forward.”
