RECALL the Tudun Biri tragic incident that we still can’t get over with? We were promised a thorough investigation and since it’s a new working government, we had our hopes high.
Shortly after the accidental attack, during their respective visits to the victims of the bombings, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, the Chief Of Army Staff, General Taoreed Lagbaja and the Chief Of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa all stated that there will be a thorough investigation and the finding of the investigation will be made public.
Nigerians believed them and believed that, considering the widespread attention and concern received in the Tudun Biri bombing. And as a strong attestation to that, a few days later the Defence Headquarters sets up an 8-man probe panel. Major Gen Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, made this known on 14th December.
Buba confirmed that the investigative panel, made up of senior officers from across the military establishment, was set up by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Christopher Gwabim Musa.
“Apart from being drawn from the services, their membership cut across the six geopolitical zones of the country. The panel was set up on December 8, 2023. The outcome of their effort will be communicated in due course.”
As we all wait for the ‘due course’, a week later, General Christopher Musa, Chief of Defence Staff during an interview on Channels TV stated that findings from its investigation of the accidental bombing will be released soon.
“The outcome of the investigation will be made public very soon. We are sincere and fair; we want to know what truly happened to make amends. I can assure you that nothing will be thrown under the carpet.”
His words gave us hope and we all felt optimistic that the right thing will be done but it’s been weeks now and there is no word on an update on the ongoing investigation. I know these things take time but a little update from time to time will help our confidence on the directions of things right now.
Mr President, Sir Bola Ahmed Tinubu, can we get an update about the investigation sir? Forgive my cynicism sir but we have had such kind of panel on many such probes that got swept under the carpet in the past but you have demonstrated a big leadership disciplinary action on a few matters, therefore it is our hope that the Tudun Biri will get the same objective executive resolution.
Before I sign out on this piece, I will like to commend the security agencies for the rescue of the kidnapped Abuja sisters yesterday. The safe return of the girls with or without ransom, in the context of modern day kidnapping and banditry is a remarkable feat in itself by the security apparatus in the country.
The people in Abuja and Lagos are so lucky, anytime anything happens, the media, both social and mainstream heats up and then, there is a swift resolution of the issue. Our sisters, brothers, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, Niger, Borno and other states ain’t so lucky.
Kabara, is a writer and public commentator. Her syndicated column, Voice, appears on News Point Nigeria newspaper on Mondays. She can be reached on hafceekay01@gmail.com
