President Tinubu Condemns Mass Abduction in Niger State, Orders Immediate Rescue Operation
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has condemned the recent mass abduction of residents in Niger State and ordered an immediate, coordinated operation to rescue those taken by armed attackers.
The President directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS) and other relevant security and intelligence agencies to mobilise for the rescue operation. He also ordered the Service Chiefs to provide regular updates until all the abducted victims are accounted for.
The abduction occurred in communities around Borgu Local Government Area, including Gidan-Zana and Kpenya village, where armed men reportedly attacked residents and worshippers during Friday prayers at a mosque.
Reports about the exact number of people abducted remain conflicting. Some residents said hundreds of people were taken, while other reports put the confirmed or estimated number much lower. Reuters reported that a video circulating online appeared to show about 600 women, children and elderly people, but said it could not independently verify the figure.
Local authorities have also reported deaths connected to the wider attacks. Reuters reported that a local official said 30 people were killed, although Niger State authorities have cautioned that the number of missing persons and casualties is still being verified because of the sensitivity of the situation.
Tinubu described the attackers as “enemies of peace and enemies of humanity” and vowed that those responsible would not escape justice. He also expressed condolences to families who lost loved ones and assured families of the abducted residents that the Federal Government would continue efforts to secure their safe return.
“Terror will not cow Nigeria. We will defend our people, protect our communities, and uphold the sanctity of human life,” the President said.
The development has triggered renewed concerns over the growing threat of mass kidnapping in north-central Nigeria. Residents in affected communities have reportedly fled their homes, with one traditional leader telling Reuters that about 2,000 residents crossed into neighbouring Benin Republic following the attacks.
Security agencies are now expected to intensify operations in the affected areas as the Federal Government works to locate the abductees and bring them home safely.
The exact number of victims and the identities of all those abducted are still being established by authorities.
