President Bola Tinubu has ordered arrest of terrorists behind the yesterday’s attack on innocent Nigerians at Kasuwan Daji Kabe District, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Tinubu, in a statement on Sunday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to track down and apprehend the perpetrators, and ensure that they are swiftly brought to justice.
The President also directed security agencies to speedily rescue all the abducted victims.
According to Amnesty International, about 30 people were killed, while dozens were abducted. It added that apart from slaughtering the people, the gunmen also set the village market ablaze, looted food items and other valuables.
Onanuga said the terrorists were suspected to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara following the United States’ air strike on Christmas Eve, adding that the President strongly condemned the attack and the abduction of women and children.
He said President Tinubu sent his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, as well as to the Government and people of Niger State.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions. No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice,” the President was quoted to have declared.
President Tinubu, according to Onanuga, assured the people of Niger State that security agencies have been mandated to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those near the forests that have served as hideouts for criminal elements.
He urged Nigerians to remain united and resolute in the face of this tragedy and cautioned against divisive rhetoric that could undermine national security and cohesion during this challenging period.
“These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison. United, we can and must defeat them, deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities,” President Tinubu said.
