Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has denounced in the strongest terms the brutal killing of no fewer than 42 innocent Nigerians and the abduction of several others by terrorists in Agwarra and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, branding the attack as inhumane, senseless and a grave affront to humanity.
In a statement released on Sunday, the 4th of January, 2025, from Abeokuta, the governor conveyed deep sorrow and solidarity with his Niger State counterpart, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the government and people of the state, over what he described as a horrifying tragedy that has shaken the nation’s conscience.
Abiodun urged security agencies to move with speed and precision to identify, apprehend and prosecute those behind the massacre, insisting that such extreme cruelty must never be met with silence or impunity.
He lamented the heartbreaking reality that peaceful, law-abiding citizens could be attacked and murdered while simply going about their legitimate daily activities, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the human cost of insecurity.
Speaking for the Government and people of Ogun State, as well as his colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum, Abiodun stressed that the attack must not break the resolve of the Niger State Government in its responsibility to protect lives and property.
“On behalf of the Government and people of Ogun State and my colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum, I commiserate with the Government and people of Niger State over the dastardly attacks by terrorists that left 42 people dead and many others abducted,” he said.
“I urge His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, not to allow this terrible incident to dampen his morale and determination to safeguard lives and property in Niger State.”
The Ogun State governor further described the assault on defenceless citizens as a dark stain on the nation, warning that such barbarity must never be allowed to repeat itself.
“The cowardly onslaught on innocent citizens going about their lawful business represents a blight on our country. It is a horrendous incident that must never be allowed to happen again,” he said.
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Abiodun also offered prayers for the departed and comfort for those left behind, acknowledging the immeasurable pain faced by grieving families and devastated communities.
“I commiserate with the families who have lost their loved ones and pray that Almighty God grants them the fortitude to survive this terrible ordeal,” Abiodun added.
Calling for firm and uncompromising action, the governor appealed to security forces to deploy every available asset to ensure justice is served and future attacks prevented.
“I call on the security agencies to track and hunt down the perpetrators of these attacks and ensure that they never get another opportunity to slaughter innocent citizens.
The perpetrators must be completely crushed with all the resources available to the Nigerian State. May the souls of the victims rest in peace.”