Tinubu condemns mass abduction in Niger, orders immediate rescue operation

President Bola Tinubu has directed an immediate rescue operation into the recent mass abduction of victims in Niger State.

This was disclosed by the president’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, in a State House release on Tuesday.

Tinubu described the attackers as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity,” as he assured the Federal Government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the abductees.

“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 directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and all relevant security and intelligence agencies to launch a coordinated rescue operation into the abduction, the statement added.

Tinubu further vowed that the nation would not bow to any acts of 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 PUNCH reported on Friday that terrorists reportedly invaded a mosque in Gidan-Zana, Kpenya village, Dekara District, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, and abducted worshippers during the Jumat prayers.

It was learnt that the terrorists stormed the Kpenya Mosque at about 2 pm and immediately began abducting worshippers.

Children, women, including the elderly, were said to have been abducted during the attack, while some residents fled into a nearby forest to escape.

The hoodlums were also said to have abducted the village Head of Ka’ada, who was recently released from their den, as well as the 90-year-old father of the District Head of Dekar.