In Kaduna State, Nigeria, at least 85 civilians lost their lives when the Nigerian Army inadvertently targeted a religious festival with a drone strike. The tragedy unfolded on the evening of Sunday, December 3, 2023, in the village of Tudun Biri. Attendees were gathered for Mawlid al-Nabi, a significant Muslim observance commemorating the Prophet Muhammad’s birth.

The Nigerian National Emergency Management Agency verified the number of fatalities and reported that over 68 individuals suffered injuries in the strike. Victims spanned all ages, from young children to the elderly. Survivors recount a dreadful situation, with a second bomb impacting those aiding the initial victims.

Acknowledging the grave error, the Nigerian Army admitted their misjudgment during aerial patrols in identifying the group’s actions, mistaking them for violent bandits and militants. In response, Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full investigation and extended his sympathies to the bereaved families, urging for peace during the inquiry process.

Notably, accidental military strikes in Nigeria have a troubling history. Data from SB Morgen, a Nigerian geopolitical intelligence firm, indicates that since 2017, accidental strikes have resulted in over 300 deaths. This trend underscores ongoing concerns about the country’s military and intelligence strategies.

In a proactive measure, the Kaduna State government has declared the establishment of a commission to probe into this specific incident, indicating a step towards addressing the frequency of such devastating events.