Tinubu Orders Manhunt After Terrorists Kill Over 40 in Niger State

         

         President Bola Tinubu has ordered an immediate manhunt for the terrorists behind the deadly

 attack on

 communities in Niger State that claimed the lives of more than 40 people and led to the abduction of

 several others.

In a statement personally signed on Sunday, the President 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 those responsible for the Kasuwan Daji attack and ensure

 they are brought to justice.

“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our nation and its people, and they must face the full weight

 of the law,” Tinubu said. He added that anyone found aiding or supporting the attackers would also be

 prosecuted.

            The President further ordered the immediate rescue of all abducted victims and instructed

 security

 agencies to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those located near

 forested areas. He called for unity, urging Nigerians to stand together in confronting insecurity and

 restoring peace to affected communities, while also praying for the repose of the victims’ souls.

The directive followed coordinated attacks carried out on Saturday afternoon in Agwara and Borgu

 Local Government Areas of Niger State. According to the Niger State Police Command, the attackers

 were believed to have emerged from the National Park forest along Kabe District before storming

 Kasuwan Daji in Demo Village.

Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun said the assault began at about 4:30 pm and lasted several hours. He

 confirmed that over 30 people were killed, shops were looted, and the local market was set ablaze. He

 noted that the remoteness of the area initially hampered a swift security response, but joint security

 teams were later deployed to the scene.

While police put the death toll at over 30, residents and community leaders reported higher figures. The

 Director of Communications of the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, Rev. Fr Stephen Kabirat, said at

 least 40 people were killed, with women and children among those abducted. He also disclosed that a

 parish priest narrowly escaped abduction during an earlier raid on the mission house.

A community source in Agwara Local Government Area said the attacks extended to multiple villages,

 leaving no fewer than 42 people dead and forcing residents to flee their homes out of fear.

The region has suffered repeated attacks in recent months, including the abduction of over 300 pupils

 and teachers from a Catholic school in Papiri in November 2025.

       Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo

 Abiodun, condemned the killings, describing them as senseless and inhumane, and called for decisive

 action to crush the perpetrators and prevent further bloodshed.