President Bola Tinubu has ordered security and intelligence agencies to commence an immediate, coordinated operation to rescue victims abducted during a recent attack in Niger State.
The directive was contained in a State House statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Reacting to the incident, Tinubu condemned the attackers, describing them as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity,” while assuring families of the victims that the Federal Government would do everything necessary to secure their safe return.
“Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free.
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,” he affirmed.
The President tasked the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant security and intelligence agencies with working together to secure the abductees and bring them home.
Tinubu also vowed that the country would resist terrorism and continue to protect citizens and communities.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life.
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“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 latest development followed the reported invasion of a mosque in Gidan-Zana, Kpenya village, Dekara District, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, by terrorists on Friday.
The attackers reportedly stormed the Kpenya Mosque around 2pm while Jumat prayers were ongoing and began taking worshippers away.
Among those reportedly abducted were children, women and elderly residents, while some villagers escaped by fleeing into a nearby forest.
The attackers were also said to have taken away the village Head of Ka’ada, who had only recently regained his freedom after being held in their hideout.
The 90-year-old father of the District Head of Dekar was also reportedly among those abducted.