· Terror will not cow Nigeria, we will defend our people, says president
· Number of abductees allegedly second largest in Nigeria
· Police confirm kidnap, assure residents of safety
By Francis Ekeh
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate, coordinated security operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State, directing the nation’s security and intelligence agencies to ensure that all those taken captive are accounted for.
The President directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to work together to secure the release of the victims.
Tinubu, who expressed outrage over the abduction and killing of innocent citizens by criminal elements in the state, also ordered the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular briefings on the progress of the rescue operation until all those abducted are accounted for.
The presidential directive followed attacks on several communities in the remote Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, during which scores of residents were abducted, including worshippers attending Friday prayers at a mosque at Kpenya village.
Borgu Local Government Chairman, Abdullahi Mohammed Nasir, said, at least, 60 people were kidnapped in the attacks, while an unspecified number of residents sustained gunshot injuries as they attempted to escape from the assailants.
Residents had put the number of those abducted at between 60 and 80, while independent sources estimate the number to be about 600 persons. However, the police are yet to provide an official figure.
Niger State Police spokesperson, Wasiu Abiodun, said the gunmen attacked the mosque at Kpenya after raiding a string of villages in Borgu on Friday.
Tinubu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, described the perpetrators as enemies of peace and humanity and vowed that they would be brought to justice.
Tinubu was optimistic that: “Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life.
According to him: “Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free.
“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
“ 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.
Tinubu also assured the Niger State Government of the Federal Government’s full support in responding to the attack, including assistance for recovery and relief efforts as well as reinforcement of security in affected communities.
“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 President said.
On Sunday, kidnappers released a video of what appears to be a large group of people being held captive by armed men in a forested area in Nigeria.
The video emerged two days after the gunmen allegedly abducted what an independent source quoted to be as many as 600 worshippers during Friday prayers at a mosque in Dekera village in Nigeria’s north-central Niger state.
The incident comes as Nigeria prepares for presidential elections in January, with security likely to be high on the agenda due to a wave of mass kidnappings for ransom across the north of the country.
Dekera village residents have reported that gunmen took people away in simultaneous raids on several communities.
In the video, posted on Facebook and WhatsApp and circulating widely, children could be heard crying. A gunman speaking in the Hausa language speaks directly to families of the captives, telling them to identify relatives. “These are all your people,” the gunman said