Tinubu Orders Immediate Rescue as Niger Mass Abduction Sparks Outrage
By Matthew Eloyi
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security and intelligence agencies to immediately launch a coordinated operation to rescue victims of the recent mass abduction in Niger State.
The President also condemned the abduction and killing of innocent citizens in the state, describing the perpetrators as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity” who would not escape justice.
Tinubu, in a statement issued on Tuesday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, expressed outrage over the incident and offered his condolences to families who lost loved ones in the attack.
“Those who carried out this cowardly attack on defenceless Nigerians are enemies of peace and enemies of humanity, who will not go scot-free,” the President said.
He sympathised with families of the victims, praying for the repose of those killed and for strength for their relatives to cope with the loss.
“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,” he said.
Tinubu assured the affected families that the Federal Government would not abandon them, promising that security agencies would continue their efforts until the abducted victims were safely reunited with their loved ones.
“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,” the President stated.
The President directed the Service Chiefs to provide him with regular updates on the progress of the rescue operation until all those abducted had been accounted for.
He further assured Nigerians that the government would intensify efforts to protect communities and prevent criminal elements from undermining national security.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” Tinubu declared.
The President also expressed solidarity with the people and government of Niger State, assuring them of Federal Government support for recovery, relief efforts and the reinforcement of security in affected areas.
“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,” he said.
The directive comes amid renewed concerns over the security situation in parts of Niger State, with the President’s order signalling a coordinated response by the country’s security and intelligence agencies to secure the safe release of the abducted victims and bring the perpetrators to justice.