Kaduna Villagers Grieve Loss of Children in Military Drone Strike
Masud Abdulrasheed, an Islamic school teacher, is still struggling to come to terms with the death of his seven-year-old daughter, Habeebah, who was killed in a military drone strike during a religious festival in his village in northern Kaduna state, one year ago.
The military later explained that the bombing, which killed at least 85 people, was the result of a “failure of intelligence.” The armed forces mistakenly identified the open-air religious festival in Tudunbiri as a meeting of jihadist fighters.
“This tragic incident of December 3rd, 2023, should never have occurred,” said military spokesperson Maj-Gen Edward Buba, speaking to the BBC. “We deeply regret the loss of life, and if it were possible to bring them back, we would.”
Warning: The following content includes distressing details.
The strike occurred at night, around 10 PM, when drones dropped two bombs on the village, hitting a gathering of women and children. Abdulrasheed described the terrifying moments when the first bomb exploded near a tree where people had gathered.
“We ran for cover, but before we could respond to the injured, the second bomb fell, causing even more casualties,” Abdulrasheed recalled. His daughter Habeebah was among those killed in the attack.
Abdulrasheed fondly remembered his daughter as “the most caring of my children.” “She would always share any gift she received, even if I didn’t need it,” he said, his voice heavy with grief.
Despite the military’s admission of error, the victims of the strike are still seeking justice. Human rights advocate Ms. Ewang criticized the military’s arbitrary compensation process, calling for consistent and comprehensive support for all victims of airstrike errors.
“We need to see meaningful steps towards justice, accountability, and fair compensation for all those affected by such incidents,” she said.
Some families, like that of Ms. Buhari, have received compensation for their losses. Ms. Buhari was given 7.5 million naira for her three brothers who were killed, and 750,000 naira for her own injuries. However, she described the amount as insufficient for her ongoing medical needs. “I can barely afford the medication I need to manage the pain,” she told the BBC. “I hope the government will assist me with proper treatment for my arm.”
Abdulrasheed, too, has received compensation for the loss of his daughter, but he said that no amount of money could ever replace her. He also expressed concern about his four-year-old daughter, who was injured in the attack but has not received any compensation for her medical treatment.
“I am always anxious when I see her condition,” he said, adding, “Every time I visit Habeebah’s grave, I remember all those who were with us but are no longer here. I miss her so much.”
