At least 42 people have been confirmed killed by bandits at Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, Kabe District, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday, prompting President Bola Tinubu to unleash his security forces on the perpetrators.
The bandits also kidnapped scores of people, burning the market while looting food items and other wares, along paths leading to the expansive Kainji Lake National Park .
Confirming the attack in a statement on Sunday, the Niger State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said a joint security team had visited the scene and that efforts were ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims.
In response, Nigeria’s president 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 of attack, ensuring they are swiftly brought to justice.
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Bayo Onanuga , special adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, in a statement on Sunday, said the President also directed security agencies to rescue all the abducted victims urgently.
Tinubu issued the directives on Sunday hinting that the terrorists were suspected to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara following the United States’ air strike on Christmas Eve.
According to Onanuga’s statement, the “President strongly condemned the attack on the Kasuwan Daji Community and the abduction of women and children.
President Tinubu also 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 declared.
The president 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.
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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,” Tinubu said.
