By Enyichukwu Enemanna
Members of the Nigerian Senate have announced readiness to donate their December salaries to victims of the accidental bombing by the Nigerian Army in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State, North West Nigeria.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, made this known on Sunday when he led a delegation of the Senate to Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State at the Government House.
At least 85 persons were confirmed dead following an air strike by military in Kaduna last Sunday. Members of the community had gathered for an Islamic festival but were mistaken for bandits by the Nigerian Army.
The mistaken bombing which is one in series of similar incidents has attracted widespread condemnation, with the United Nations calling for a review of rules of engagement of the Nigerian Army to forestall future occurrence.
According to Sen. Jibrin, all 109 Senators in the 10th National Assembly have decided to donate their salaries, amounting to N109 million, to the victims of the accidental bombing.
A group of senators from the Northern Senators Forum (NSF), led by Abdul Ningi and Abdulaziz Yari, also visited the victims of the recent military airstrike.
During the visit, Senator Ningi announced an N58 million donation to the victims on behalf of the NSF, highlighting their commitment to supporting constituents during difficult times.
Also speaking, Yari, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Water Resources, said immense pain had been inflicted on the victims of the bombing.
The former governor of Zamfara said, “Our hearts go out to all the families affected by this senseless tragedy.
“We witnessed firsthand the immense pain and suffering caused by this event. We pray for the deceased and their families, and a speedy recovery for the injured.”
It is estimated that between 2015 till date, over 500 persons have been killed in accidental bombing by the military while in the search for terrorists and militants.
