Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has condemned in the strongest terms the recent terrorist attacks in Agwarra and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, which left at least 42 people dead and several others abducted.
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun expressed his heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the government and people of the state, describing the attacks as “callous, senseless, and a crime against humanity.”
“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,” Abiodun said.
He further urged Governor Bago not to allow the tragedy to weaken his determination to protect lives and property, stressing that such attacks must never be allowed to recur.
“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,” he said.
Governor Abiodun described the assault on innocent citizens as “a stain on the nation’s conscience,” adding that “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 also prayed for the victims and their families. “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 stated.
Calling for decisive action, the governor appealed to security agencies to deploy all resources to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“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.”
“The perpetrators must be completely crushed with all the resources available to the Nigerian State. May the souls of the victims rest in peace,” he added.
