Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has sympathised with his Kaduna State counterpart, Senator Uba Sani, and the people of the state over the unintentional aerial bombardment of villagers at Tudun Biri village that led to the deaths of many people.
The governor, in a statement by his chief press secretary, Mal. Bologi Ibrahim, described the tragedy as unfortunate.
The military on Sunday, while pursuing terrorists, mistakenly bombed villagers who gathered to celebrate Maulud, the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, at Tudun Biri village in the Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Although the military claimed responsibility, the death toll continued to rise.
While condoling with the government and people of Kaduna State, the governor said, "I am deeply saddened by this unfortunate and unpleasant accident. I, on behalf of all the people of Niger State, share in your moment of grief; may Allah comfort you all and grant the departed souls Aljannah Firdausi."
He also prayed for the quick recovery of those injured.
Mohammed Bago then appealed to relevant authorities to carry out a proper investigation to avert reoccurrence while calling on the security agencies not to be dampened by the incident but to remain steadfast in their fight against all forms of criminality in the country.