From Samson Alfa, Minna
Terrorists have killed 42 people and seized scores following attacks on communities in Agwarra and Borgu Local Government Areas, Niger State.
Sources revealed that the “Terrorists tied the hands of 37 people from behind and slaughtered them in Kasuwa Daji near Papiri and five others killed in Kaima village” in the aforementioned LGs.
It was gathered that the terrorists seized many including children, some of whom are pupils and students of recently attacked St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwarra Local Government Area.
Residents further revealed that a local market was set ablaze at the weekend, destroying shops and looting food items while villagers ncluding children were taken hostage during the reign of terror.p
According to local sources the attacks lasted for over a week amid little or no resistance from residence as absence of security personnel in the affected areas worsens their vulnerability to such attacks.
In this vein, residents called on security agencies to come to their aid.
Meanwhile, Niger State Governor, Umaru Bago, has expresses shock and sadness over the terrorist attack on the communities.
Bago, through his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, described the attack as cruel the terrorist attack that led to the death of many as well as the kidnapping of several others, and the destruction of livelihoods.
The Governor, therefore, extends his deepest heart felt sympathy to the people of the affected communities, especially the victims and their families.
It is disturbing and heartbreaking to start the year with such unfortunate incidents, enjoined the people to remain resolute in God and that his administration is collaborating with the federal government and security agencies to improve the security of the affected areas.
According to the governor, a joint security team is trailing the terrorists with a view to rescuing the kidnapped victims.
He, also said prays that God will repose the souls of the departed, adding that concerted efforts have been out in place to rescue the kidnapped victims, and prayed that the injured ones recover soon to to restore livelihoods that were destroyed.
Confirming the attack on a Catholic mission, the Director of Communications, Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Father Stephen Kabirat, said the attackers also targeted church property during the raid.
“Our Parish Priest narrowly escaped abduction when the attackers came to the mission house three days ago.
“They vandalised parts of the church, took away two motorcycles and cash amounting to over ₦200,000, and abducted some villagers, including children”, he said.
Busides, the Niger State Police Command has confirmed the attacks. In a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Wasiu Abiodun, said the command received reports of a deadly bandit invasion on Saturday night.
“At about 9:00 pm, the police received information that suspected bandits attacked communities in Borgu LGA, killing over 30 persons and abducting an unconfirmed number of people”, Abiodun said in the statement
At about 4:30 pm, bandits believed to have emerged from the National Park Forest along Kabe District invaded Kasuwan Daji in Demo village, where they killed residents, burned the market, and looted shops.
He added that a joint security team had visited the affected areas and that efforts were ongoing to rescue abducted victims and restore calm.
Irked by the massacres President Bola Tinubu, yesterday ordered full security offensive to hunt down terrorists responsible for the deadly attacks.
In a statement yesterday by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, Tinubu directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to immediately track down and apprehend those behind the attack and ensure that all abducted victims are rescued without delay.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions.
“No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice”, he declared.
He then extended his condolences to the families of the victims, as well as the government and people of Niger State, urging Nigerians to remain united and avoid rhetoric capable of undermining national cohesion, noting that “These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison. United, we can and must defeat them, deny them any sanctuary, and reclaim peace and security for these communities”.
