The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, has condemned the terrorist attacks on communities in Agwara and Borgu local government areas of Niger State, which claimed the lives of more than 40 people and led to the abduction of several others, including women and children.
Yilwatda described the Saturday attacks as barbaric, inhumane, and utterly unacceptable, stressing that they represented a direct assault on Nigeria’s peace, unity, and collective conscience.
This is according to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the National Chairman, APC (Media and Communication Strategy), Abimbola Tooki, on Monday.
The APC chairman expressed concern over reports of sustained violence across affected communities, including the killing of villagers in Kasuwan Daji and Kaima, the burning of markets, destruction of homes and places of worship, and the abduction of pupils and students from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri.
The PUNCH reports that President Bola Tinubu had, on Sunday, ordered a manhunt for the terrorists responsible for the deadly attack.
In a statement signed by him, the President said he had directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to track down the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack and ensure they are brought to justice.
The APC National Chairman expressed sympathy and solidarity with Governor Mohammed Bago, the government, and the people of Niger State, particularly the families and communities who have suffered painful and irreparable losses.
“This senseless violence against innocent citizens is an affront to our shared humanity. The APC stands firmly with the people of Niger State in this moment of grief and assures them that they are not alone.”
Yilwatda commended the response of President Tinubu, noting that the President had also directed all relevant security agencies to urgently rescue all abducted victims, underscoring the administration’s commitment to the protection of lives and property.
Yilwatda observed that intelligence reports indicate that the attackers are terrorists suspected to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara states following the United States’ airstrike on Christmas Eve, adding that Nigeria’s security architecture is fully alert and responding robustly to prevent the spread of violence.
“The APC fully supports President Bola Tinubu’s resolute actions and renewed determination to end terrorism and banditry in our country. This administration has demonstrated strong political will, enhanced coordination among security agencies, and a commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks,” he stated.
According to the Niger State Police Command, the attackers are believed to have emerged from the National Park forest along Kabe District before storming Kasuwan Daji in Demo Village via Kabe.
Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said the attack began around 4:30 pm and lasted for several hours.
“At about 4:30 pm on Saturday, suspected bandits invaded Kasuwan Daji, killed over 30 persons, burnt the market, looted shops, and carted away food items,” Abiodun said.
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