The North East Elders for Restoration and Development (NEERD) have refuted claims suggesting that the military leadership played a complicit role in a recent incident in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State.
NN News Media recall that the incident occurred on December 3, where a Nigerian Army drone mistakenly caused casualties in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
However, some individuals and groups insinuated that the incident had underlying ethno-religious motivations.
But in a statement released by NEERD’s President, Buba Tanko, and Secretary, Ibrahim Bello, the elders expressed dismay at the malicious insinuations and deplored the use of ethno-religious sentiments to unfairly criticize the military.
They emphasized the need to scrutinize the track record of the current military leadership, specifically highlighting Chief of Defence, Gen. Christopher Musa.
The statement rejected the idea that the Armed Forces, under Gen. Musa’s leadership, would attack those they are protecting. The elders pointed out Gen. Musa’s role as Theatre Commander Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East, where he contributed to restoring peace and facilitating the return of people to their livelihoods, regardless of ethnicity and religion.
NEERD criticized individuals manipulating communities to escalate tensions in the North for personal gain and urged against being swayed by ethno-religious sentiments during a period of economic and security challenges in the country.
The elders commended the armed forces for their efforts in the North-East and called on residents to continue supporting the military’s endeavors to achieve complete peace in the region and the entire country.
