At least 30 people have been confirmed killed by bandits at Kasuwan Daji market in Demo village, Kabwe District, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Saturday, forcing President Bola Tinubu to deploy his security forces on the criminals.
Bandits also kidnapped several people, burned markets and looted food and other goods on the roads leading to the vast Kanji Lake National Park.
Confirming the attack in a statement on Sunday, Niger State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Wasiu Abiodun, said a joint security team had visited the scene and efforts were ongoing to rescue the kidnapped victims.
In response, the President of Nigeria directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defense Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police and the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS) to trace and apprehend the perpetrators of the attack, ensuring that they are promptly brought to justice.
Bio Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, said in a statement on Sunday that the President directed security agencies to immediately rescue all kidnapped victims.
Tinubu issued the directive on Sunday indicating that terrorists are expected to flee Sokoto and Zamfara following the United States airstrike 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 expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims as well as the government and people of Niger State.
The President declared, “These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. Therefore, they must face the full consequences of their criminal actions. No matter who they are or what their intentions are, they must be hunted down. They and all who aid, abet or enable them in any way will be caught and brought to justice.”
The President assured the people of Niger State that security agencies have been ordered to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, especially those near forests that serve as hideouts for criminal elements.
He urged Nigerians to remain united and steadfast in the face of this tragedy and cautioned against divisive rhetoric that could undermine national security and cohesion during this challenging period.
Tinubu said, “This is the time that demands our humanity. We must stand together as one people and unitedly confront these monsters. By uniting, we can defeat them and deny them any refuge. We must regain the peace and security of these attacked communities.”
