President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday ordered immediate 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 (DSS) and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to work together to ensure the rescue of the victims.
President 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 directive followed the latest 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.
In a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to the president, 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.
The president 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.
