Labour Party presidential candidate in this year’s general elections, Peter Obi, has sought investigation into the recent accidental military airstrike at Tudun Biri Village in Igabi Local Council of Kaduna State.
He regretted that the nation had witnessed 16 accidental military bombings, resulting in over 500 casualties, yet decisive action had not been taken by the Federal Government to prevent recurrence.
He noted that full support for the military is crucial in addressing contemporary and emerging security challenges facing the nation.
Obi called for accountability in the use of military force, emphasising the importance of avoiding civilian casualties in operations.
He also proposed the establishment of a foundation to provide assistance to the victims, particularly those who have been orphaned by the incident.
Similarly, a civil society group, Volunteers For Democracy and Good Governance, has demanded full compensation for families of the 120 victims.
It equally called for a full-scale probe of the incident by a high-powered committee that includes retired military officers, technocrats and people of impeccable character.
In a statement issued by its spokesman, Shehu Isah, in Kano, the group urged the Federal Government to direct all senior officers involved in the bombing to step aside for thorough and unhindered investigation.
While restating Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening civil rule on the continent, the minister charged that amid its challenges, the system of government must be upheld by the people to champion popular will.
The formal launch of the “Atrium” showcased an initiative that engages creative and innovative twists to promote the country’s strategic interests to local and international communities.
The minister said: “Being the largest democracy on the continent, the President’s keen interest in democracy as one of the 4Ds, is underscored by the opportunities that come with it, as well as the challenges that confront it, especially in places where we are currently witnessing recourse to unconstitutional change of government.
“This tendency, which was initially localised in West Africa, appears to be gaining momentum, as echoes of the coup attempt in Guatemala in South America rented the airwaves recently. For us as a country, democracy is what we have, and what we must cherish. We will continue to encourage this, both in Africa and across the world.”
