Tinubu orders security agencies to rescue Muslim worshippers abducted in Niger state

President Bola Tinubu has ordered the security and
intelligence agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Muslim worshippers
abducted in Niger state.

 

The president gave the directive after gunmen abducted an
unspecified number of worshippers in communities across Borgu LGA shortly after
Friday’s Juma’at prayer at the central mosque in Dekara.

In a statement by Bayo Onanuga, his special adviser on
information and strategy, Tinubu directed the armed forces, Nigeria Police
Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant agencies to mount
a coordinated operation to locate and rescue the victims.

He also ordered the service chiefs to provide him with
regular updates on the operation until all those abducted are accounted for.

Describing the attackers as “enemies of peace and enemies of
humanity”, Tinubu vowed that those responsible would be brought to 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,” he said.

The president condoled with the families of those killed in
the attack and assured them that the federal government was committed to
securing the safe return of their relatives.

“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 said.

Tinubu also assured the people of Niger state of the federal
government’s support, saying additional security and other assistance would be
provided to the state government.

“The Federal Government stands firmly with the State
Government and will provide all necessary support to aid recovery, relief, and
security reinforcement,” he said.

The president said the latest attack would not weaken the
government’s resolve to confront terrorism and other forms of criminality.

“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people,
protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” Tinubu said.

He also expressed sympathy to the people of Niger state over
the attack and prayed for the families of those killed.

“My prayers are with the people of Niger State at this
difficult time,” the president added.

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