The national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, has condemned the recent terrorist attacks on communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger. 

Mr Yilwatda, in a statement on Monday by his special adviser on media and communication strategy, Abimbola Tooki, described the attacks as barbaric and unacceptable.

The attacks reportedly claimed some lives with  several people abducted.

The chairman said the killings, destruction of property and abduction of women, children and students constituted a direct assault on Nigeria’s peace, unity and collective conscience.

Mr Yilwatda said: “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.”

He expressed deep concern over reports of sustained violence across affected communities, including the killing of harmless villagers in Kasuwan Daji and Kaima.

Mr Yilwatda also condemned the burning of markets, destruction of homes and places of worship, and abduction of pupils by terrorists. 

He expressed profound 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. 

Mr Yilwatda commended the decisive and swift response of President Bola Tinubu, who 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 State Security Service (SSS) to immediately track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack and ensure they are brought to justice without delay.

He noted that Mr Tinubu had also directed all relevant security agencies to urgently rescue all abducted victims, underscoring the administration’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property.

Mr Yilwatda observed that intelligence reports indicate that the attackers are terrorists suspected to be fleeing from Sokoto and Zamfara States following the United States’ air strikes on Christmas Eve.

According to him, 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.

The APC chairman reaffirmed that the party is solidly behind every lawful and strategic action that will bring terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism to a permanent end in Nigeria.

He called on citizens to continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing timely and credible information.

Mr Yilwatda also urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to work closely with government authorities to restore lasting peace.

“The forces of terror will not defeat our collective resolve. Nigeria will prevail,” he assured. 

The APC, he said, remained committed to building a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria, where no criminal group is allowed to hold citizens hostage through fear and violence. 

(NAN)