President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate and coordinated rescue operation following the recent mass abduction of worshippers in Niger State.
The President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, disclosed this in a State House statement on Tuesday.
Tinubu condemned the attack, describing the perpetrators as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity,” while assuring families of the victims that the Federal Government would intensify efforts to secure their release.
He said, “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 subsequently directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to work together in locating and rescuing the abducted victims.
Tinubu also vowed that Nigeria would not surrender to terrorism, saying, “Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life.
“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 directive followed reports of a terrorist attack on a mosque in Gidan-Zana, Kpenya village, Dekara District, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, during Jumat prayers.
Earlier reported on Friday that the attackers invaded Kpenya Mosque at about 2pm and began abducting worshippers.
Women, children and elderly worshippers were reportedly among those taken, while some residents escaped into a nearby forest to avoid being captured.
The attackers were also said to have abducted the village Head of Ka’ada, who had only recently regained his freedom after being held by the assailants, as well as the 90-year-old father of the District Head of Dekar.
