…directs military, police, DSS to launch coordinated operation
…‘Perpetrators are enemies of humanity, will not go scot-free’
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate, 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.
The President directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to work together to secure the release of the victims.
Tinubu, who expressed outrage over the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in the state, also ordered the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all those abducted are accounted for.
The presidential 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.
Borgu Local Government Chairman, Abdullahi Mohammed Nasir, said at least 60 people were kidnapped in the attacks, while an unspecified number of residents sustained gunshot injuries as they attempted to escape from the assailants.
Residents had put the number of those abducted at between 60 and 80, although the police did not immediately provide an official figure.
Niger State Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said the gunmen attacked the mosque in Kpenya after raiding a string of villages in Borgu on Friday.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu described the perpetrators as enemies of peace and humanity and vowed that they would be brought to 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.
He condoled with the families of those killed in the attack and assured relatives of the abducted victims that the Federal Government would deploy the necessary resources to secure the safe return of their loved ones.
“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.
“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 President 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 Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life”, he declared.
Tinubu 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”, the President said.
