Bloodshed in Niger: Abiodun Condemns Terror Attack, Backs Bago, Demands Justice for 42 Victims

Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has strongly condemned the gruesome killing of at least 42 innocent people and the abduction of several others by suspected terrorists in Agwarra and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, describing the attack as callous, senseless and a crime against humanity.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun expressed heartfelt condolences to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as to the Government and people of the State, over what he described as a tragic and deeply disturbing incident that has shocked the Nation.

The Ogun State Governor called on Nigeria’s security Agencies to swiftly track down, arrest and prosecute the perpetrators to the fullest extent of the law, stressing that such acts of brutality must not be allowed to go unpunished.

Abiodun also sympathised with the families and communities affected by the violence, lamenting that innocent and law-abiding citizens could be brutally murdered while going about their lawful activities.

Speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Ogun State and his colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum, Abiodun said the incident should not weaken the resolve of the Niger State Government to continue its efforts to protect lives and property.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Ogun State and my colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum, I commiserate with the Government and people of Niger State over the dastardly attacks by terrorists that left 42 people dead and many others abducted,” he said.

“I urge His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, not to allow this terrible incident to dampen his morale and determination to safeguard lives and property in Niger State.”

Governor Abiodun described the assault on innocent citizens as a stain on the conscience of the nation, warning that Nigeria must not become desensitised to such barbaric acts.

“The cowardly onslaught on innocent citizens going about their lawful business represents a blight on our Country. It is a horrendous incident that must never be allowed to happen again,” he said.

He prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and for divine strength for their families to bear the painful loss.

“I commiserate with the families who have lost their loved ones and pray that Almighty God grants them the fortitude to survive this terrible ordeal,” Abiodun added.

Calling for decisive and sustained action, the Governor urged security Agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice and prevented from carrying out further attacks.

“I call on the security agencies to track and hunt down the perpetrators of these attacks and ensure that they never get another opportunity to slaughter innocent citizens,” he stated.

“The perpetrators must be completely crushed with all the resources available to the Nigerian State. May the souls of the victims rest in peace.”