A year has passed since an erroneous military drone strike claimed the lives of 85 people during a religious festival in Tudunbiri, a village in Nigeria’s Kaduna state. For residents, including Islamic school teacher Masud Abdulrasheed, the tragedy remains an open wound. Among the lives lost was Mr. Abdulrasheed’s seven-year-old daughter, Habeebah, whose caring nature still haunts her grieving father.
On December 3, 2023, an annual celebration of Prophet Muhammad’s birth turned into a nightmare. The Nigerian military mistook the open-air Maulud festival for a gathering of jihadist fighters. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) unleashed bombs, targeting women and children seated near a tree. Survivors recall the harrowing moments as they scrambled for safety, only to be hit again by a second bomb.
Maj-Gen Edward Buba, a military spokesperson, called the incident a “failure of intelligence” and expressed regret over the loss of innocent lives. Yet, the pain of the community remains palpable. For Mr. Abdulrasheed, who buried dozens of bodies in a mass grave, the memories are unbearable. “There is nothing more devastating than seeing people you invited for a celebration meeting their end,” he said.
The toll extended beyond loss of life. Injuries from shrapnel have left lasting scars, both physical and emotional. Four-year-old Zaharau, Mr. Abdulrasheed’s younger daughter, still bears an unhealed stomach wound. Despite undergoing surgery, her recovery was cut short when free medical care ceased.
Aisha Buhari, another survivor, lost three younger brothers in the tragedy. Her own arm remains wounded, limiting her ability to carry out basic tasks. “I usually buy drugs at a pharmacy to dress the wound because that’s all I can afford,” she said tearfully, her hijab wet with grief.
The government’s response has been a mix of promises, compensation, and development projects. Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani assured residents of continued support, unveiling plans for a hospital and skills acquisition center in the village. A new mosque was also constructed at the bombing site as a form of restitution.
However, these efforts have not been without controversy. Farmers like Hashim Abdullahi allege that their land was confiscated for the new projects without proper compensation. “I have been rendered jobless and can’t provide for my family,” he lamented.
Financial compensation was provided to families of the deceased and injured, but many feel it is insufficient. Victims received 2.5 million naira ($1,500) for each life lost and 750,000 naira ($500) for injuries. While these funds have helped some, others like Ms. Buhari continue to suffer due to inadequate medical care.
Analysts attribute such tragedies to Nigeria’s rapid adoption of UAV technology without proper training or intelligence protocols. Between 2017 and 2024, the Nigerian Air Force conducted 17 accidental airstrikes, killing over 500 civilians. Human Rights Watch researcher Anietie Ewang emphasized the need for greater accountability and justice.
The military claims to be addressing these issues. Two officers have been court-martialed for the Tudunbiri incident, and the military has increased training and deployed experienced commanders. Maj-Gen Buba urged critics to acknowledge their transparency, stating, “We will do everything possible to ensure that this never happens again.”
For Mr. Abdulrasheed and others, the scars are far from healed. As imam of the new mosque, he continues to lead prayers but struggles with the memories of the tragedy. “Every time I visit the grave site, I remember those we lost,” he said.
Despite the pain, Tudunbiri’s residents remain resilient. This year’s Maulud festival was celebrated two months early, a poignant reminder of their determination to honor the past while seeking a hopeful future. Yet, as Mr. Abdulrasheed poignantly notes, no amount of compensation or infrastructure can replace the loved ones they’ve lost. “I miss them all. I miss my daughter,” he said.
