By Sabiu Abdullahi
President Bola Tinubu has directed security and intelligence agencies to intensify efforts to rescue Muslim worshippers abducted in Niger State.
The directive followed the abduction of an unspecified number of worshippers in communities across Borgu Local Government Area shortly after Friday’s Juma’at prayer at the central mosque in Dekara.
Tinubu ordered the armed forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant agencies to coordinate efforts to locate and rescue the victims.
The president also instructed the service chiefs to keep him regularly informed about the operation until all the abducted worshippers are accounted for.
Tinubu condemned the attack and described the perpetrators as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity”, while promising that those behind the incident would face 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 expressed sympathy to the families of those killed in the attack and assured them of the federal government’s determination to secure 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 further assured the people and government of Niger State of federal support, including additional security measures and other assistance to address the situation.
“The Federal Government stands firmly with the State Government and will provide all necessary support to aid recovery, relief, and security reinforcement,” he said.
He said the incident would not deter his administration from its efforts to tackle terrorism and other forms of criminality across the country.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” Tinubu said.
The president also sympathised with the people of Niger State and offered prayers for the families affected by the attack.
“My prayers are with the people of Niger State at this difficult time,” the president added.
