President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has authorised the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to commence a coordinated rescue effort of the victims of the recent mass kidnapping in Niger State.
Dozens of worshippers were abducted from four mosques during Juma’at prayer last Friday in Dekara, Kpenya, Sabon-Gida and Gidan-Zana towns, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, Daily Trust reports.
Our correspondent was told by residents that terrorists attacked the mosques simultaneously in huge numbers as Jumu’at prayers were going on and took over the worship centers.
The attackers gathered up several of the worshippers and drove them into the forest.
Today, the President was shocked by the kidnapping and murders of innocent individuals by criminal elements in the state, said Mr Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy.
“The perpetrators of this dastardly attack on innocent Nigerians are enemies of peace and humanity and they will not escape justice,” he stated.
My sincere sympathies to the families of those killed in this cruel act. I hope that Almighty God grant them eternal peace, and bless their loved ones the fortitude to bear this agonising loss.
“You are not alone. Your grief is the nation’s grief. “We will not rest until your sons, your daughters, your mothers and fathers are brought home to you safely,” he added.
The president asked the service commanders to keep him regularly updated on the status of the rescue effort until all individuals abducted were accounted for.
Terror will not frighten Nigeria. We shall defend our people and our communities and the dignity of human life.”
My thoughts and prayers are with the people of Niger State at this difficult time. “The federal government remains fully behind the state government and will provide all necessary support to aid recovery, relief and security reinforcement.”
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