President Tinubu orders manhunt after Niger attack kills 42 and abducts several, directing security agencies to rescue victims and punish perpetrators
President Bola Tinubu has ordered a manhunt for terrorists responsible for attacks in Niger State that left at least 42 people dead and many others abducted, the presidency confirmed on Sunday.
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In a statement personally signed by the President, Tinubu directed the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, Service Chiefs, Inspector-General of Police, and Director-General of the Department of State Services to track down the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack and ensure they face justice.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must face the full consequences of their criminal actions. No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down,” Tinubu said.
He added that anyone aiding or abetting the attackers would also be held accountable.
The President further ordered the immediate rescue of abducted victims and instructed security agencies to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those near forests.
“We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison. United, we can and must defeat them and deny them any sanctuary,” he said, praying for the repose of the victims’ souls.
According to the Niger State Police Command, suspected bandits emerged from the National Park forest near Kabe District before storming Kasuwan Daji in Demo Village, Agwara Local Government Area.
The attack reportedly began around 4:30 pm on Saturday and lasted several hours.
Police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun confirmed over 30 fatalities, though residents and local clergy reported higher numbers.
Rev. Fr Stephen Kabirat, Director of Communications for the Catholic Diocese of Kontagora, said at least 40 people were killed, including women and children.
He also noted that some victims were abducted and that local residents, including parish priests, narrowly escaped capture.
A community source reported that the attacks extended beyond Kasuwan Daji to Kaima and other Agwara villages, leaving several communities deserted as residents fled to neighbouring areas.
The source highlighted the targeting of schools, including St Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, where students were among those abducted.
The area has witnessed repeated raids in recent months. In November 2025, terrorists abducted 315 pupils, students, and teachers from St Mary’s School, who were later released after federal government intervention.
Meanwhile, Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, condemned the attacks as callous and senseless.
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He urged security agencies to deploy all resources to crush the perpetrators and prevent further bloodshed, expressing condolences to Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago and affected families.
