President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate and coordinated security operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State, directing the nation’s security and intelligence agencies to ensure that all those taken captive are accounted for.
Tinubu directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to work together to secure the release of the victims. He also ordered the Service Chiefs to provide regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all those abducted are accounted for.
The directive followed attacks on several communities in the remote Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, during which scores of residents were abducted, including worshippers attending Friday prayers at a mosque in Kpenya village.
The Borgu Local Government Chairman, Abdullahi Mohammed Nasir, said at least 60 people were kidnapped, while some residents sustained gunshot injuries while attempting to escape.
Residents, however, put the number of abducted persons between 60 and 80, although the police had not immediately released an official figure. The Niger State Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said the gunmen attacked the mosque in Kpenya after raiding several villages in Borgu on Friday.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu condemned the attack and vowed that those behind it would face justice. “Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free,” the President said.
The President condoled with the families of those killed and assured relatives of the abducted victims that the Federal Government would deploy the necessary resources to secure their safe return.
“I extend my deepest condolences to the families of those who were killed in this barbaric assault and pray that Almighty God grant them eternal rest, and grant their loved ones the fortitude to bear this painful loss,” Tinubu said.
He further assured the families of the abducted victims that the government would not abandon them, saying, “You are not alone. The entire nation shares your anguish. We will not rest until your sons, daughters, mothers and fathers are brought back safely to you.”
Tinubu said the attack would not weaken the government’s resolve to confront terrorism and other forms of criminality threatening communities across the country.
“Terror will not cow Nigerians. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” he declared.
The President also assured the Niger State Government of the Federal Government’s full support in responding to the attack, including assistance for recovery and relief efforts as well as reinforcement of security in affected communities.
“My prayers are with the people of Niger State at this difficult time. The Federal Government stands firmly with the State Government and will provide all necessary support to aid recovery, relief and security reinforcement,” Tinubu said.
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