The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, says the armed forces will not relent in fighting criminal elements and adversaries of the nation.

“We are not going to relent; we must give those terrorists a bloody nose; we will keep fighting them till we succeed in the course of ensuring security and safety of the lives and properties of the citizens in the entire country,” said Mr Matawalle. 

The minister said this on Tuesday when he visited victims of the Nigerian Army drone attack, who were receiving treatment at the Barau Dikko Teaching Hospital in Kaduna.

The accidental drone attack by the Nigerian Army led to the death of scores of innocent citizens observing Maulid in Tudun Biri village, Igabi Local Government, on Sunday night.

Mr Matawalle was accompanied by the ministry’s permanent secretary, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Chief of Army Staff, and other senior military officers.

The minister said the visit was to ensure succour to the victims and their families and was directed by President Bola Tinubu.

Mr Matawalle added that the ministry would take the responsibility of all the medical bills of the victims.

The minister also said arrangements would be made to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the country.

Describing the incident as unfortunate, Mr Matawalle urged the public to pray for the repose of the souls of the deceased while calling for calm.

The minister and his entourage visited the Kaduna State Government House to commiserate with the people.

Deputy Governor Hadiza Balarabe received them at the government house, where they charted ways to forestall the recurrence of the unfortunate incident and enhance general security in the state.

(NAN)