The Sultan of Sokoto, Dr. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has vowed to fight for justice for the victims of the recent airstrikes in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The airstrikes, which occurred earlier this week, killed about 85 people, sparking outrage and condemnation from various parts of the country.
Speaking at the Silver Anniversary of the 11th Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji (Dr) Muhammad Isa Muhammad (CON), at the Emir’s Palace in Kafanchan on Friday, the Sultan said:
“We are here not only to celebrate the emir, but to also pray for the emirate and the lives of those killed in Kaduna State. We are going to push for it until justice is served to the people.”
His statement was echoed by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who described the incident as “highly regrettable.”
“Our duty is to protect the citizens,” he said. “We are going to take serious action to make sure something like this is not going to happen again anywhere in the country. The president has ordered a thorough investigation on it.”
The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, also used the occasion to call for peace and unity in Southern Kaduna.
“The occasion of the 25th anniversary of the Emir is an opportunity for the people of Southern Kaduna to unite for peace to reign in the part of the state,” he said.
The Emir of Jama’a, Alhaji Muhammad Isa Muhammad, expressed his gratitude to the Kaduna State government and all those who have supported him during his reign.
The anniversary ceremony was attended by a number of dignitaries, including the Chairman Council of Emirs and Chiefs in Kaduna State, Emir of Zazzau Alhaji Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Kagara from Niger state, former governors of Kaduna state; Col. Umar Faruk Ahmad (rtd) and Senator Ahmed Muhammed Makarfi.
Also present were the entire chiefs and emirs of Lere, Saminaka, Gwantu, Jaba, Ninzo, Ayu, Kaninkon, Kagoro, Kamantan, Barde, Godogodo, Bajju, emir of Kanam in Plateau state and the representative of the emir of Keffi, Nasarawa State, among others.