PRESIDENT Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to launch a coordinated operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.
News Point Nigeria reports that the directive followed the abduction of dozens of worshippers from four mosques in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana communities in Borgu Local Government Area of the state during Friday’s Juma’at prayers.
Residents who spoke with our correspondent said the terrorists, who reportedly operated in large numbers, invaded the four mosques simultaneously while the weekly congregational prayers were underway.
According to the residents, the attackers took control of the worship centres before assembling several worshippers and forcing them into the surrounding forest.
The incident has heightened concerns over the security situation in parts of Niger State, with residents and families anxiously awaiting the safe return of those taken captive.
Reacting to the development on Tuesday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said Tinubu was outraged by the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in the state.
Onanuga, in a statement, quoted the President as describing the perpetrators as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity” who would not escape 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.
Tinubu expressed condolences to the families of those killed in the attack, while assuring affected communities that the Federal Government would deploy the necessary resources to secure the release of the abducted victims.
“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,” he said.
The President further assured the victims’ families that the government would not abandon them, promising that security agencies would continue their efforts until the abducted citizens were safely reunited with their loved ones.
“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.
He consequently directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular updates on the progress of the rescue operation until all those abducted had been accounted for.
Reaffirming his administration’s resolve to confront terrorism and criminality, Tinubu declared: “Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life.”
The President also commiserated with the people of Niger State over the attack, assuring them that the Federal Government would work closely with the state government and provide all necessary support for recovery, relief and enhanced security across affected communities.