Nigerian President Orders Investigation into Deadly Military Drone Strike

At least 85 civilians killed during Muslim festival in mistaken attack, raising concerns over military's use of air power in internal security operations.

Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu has ordered a full investigation into a military drone strike that mistakenly targeted a Muslim celebration in the country's north, killing at least 85 people, with some reports suggesting the death toll could be as high as 120.
The drone strike occurred in the village of Tudun Biri in Kaduna State, where civilians had gathered to observe the Muslim festival of Mawlid, marking the birthday of Prophet Muhammad.
The Nigerian military initially described the incident as a routine mission that 'inadvertently affected' members of the community, later stating that the villagers had been mistaken for an armed group.
Many of the victims were women and children, and at least 66 people were reported injured. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for accountability, with Amnesty International's Nigeria office stating that 'more dead bodies are being discovered.'
This incident is the latest in a series of accidental bombings by the Nigerian military, raising concerns about the use of air power in internal security operations and the lack of adequate investigations and consequences for such incidents.