Prof Usman Yusuf, the former Executive Secretary of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), has expressed deep concern over the tragic Kaduna bombing incident, where the Nigerian Army erroneously dropped bombs during the celebration of Maulud Nabbiy (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday) in Tudun Biri Village, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna. The incident resulted in the unfortunate death of over 120 persons.
In an interview with Arise TV, Prof Yusuf lamented the optics of the situation for both the Nigerian Army and the presidency. Despite having a Muslim President and Vice President, the tragedy in Kaduna has raised questions about the safety and well-being of Muslims in the North.
Prof Yusuf highlighted the narrative sold by Islamic clerics in the region during the buildup to the 2023 general elections, where a Muslim-Muslim ticket was presented. He noted that despite the leadership being predominantly Muslim, there is a disconcerting reality of Muslims still being killed in the North.
“The Muslim clerics in the North came and sold this fraudulent Muslim-Muslim ticket, and we have a Muslim Vice President and Muslim President. Our people in the North are saying you are killing Muslims, inflicting a lot more pain on Muslims,” Prof Yusuf expressed.
He criticized the actions of the government, citing the closure of borders along the seven Northern states and the military’s operational decisions that have led to further suffering. Prof Yusuf called for the military to exercise caution and initiate damage control swiftly to address the concerns raised by the incident and its aftermath.
