NIGER ABDUCTION: GOVERNMENT YET TO HEAR FROM ATTACKERS SIX DAYS LATER

The Niger State Government says it has not received any communication from the terrorists who abducted worshippers at a mosque in Borgu Local Government Area of the state, six days after the attack.

The state Commissioner for Information, Obed Nuhu, disclosed this during an interview, saying authorities had not established contact with the abductors or received any ransom demand since the victims were taken.

Nuhu explained that the attack occurred at three different locations within the area, with the government suspecting the involvement of the Lakurawa and Boko Haram terrorist groups.

He said, however, that the state government was still working to establish the exact number of people abducted during the attacks, noting that officials were gathering and verifying information from the affected communities.

The commissioner stressed that the government would not release unverified figures, particularly given the sensitive nature of the security situation.

Following the incident, Niger State Governor Umaru Bago directed security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the victims and ensure their safe recovery. A joint security operation has since been launched to track the attackers and assess developments in the affected communities.

Authorities have also kept details of the ongoing operation confidential, saying information about the movement and deployment of security personnel could compromise the mission if made public.

The incident has raised fresh concerns about the security situation in parts of Niger State, particularly communities where armed groups have continued to carry out attacks and abductions.

Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services and other security and intelligence agencies to commence a coordinated operation aimed at rescuing the abducted worshippers.

The President’s directive followed growing concern over the attack and the need to secure the release of those taken from the mosque.

As the search operation continues, families of the abducted worshippers remain uncertain about their relatives’ whereabouts, while authorities continue to work towards obtaining verified information and establishing contact with the victims.

The Niger State Government has assured residents that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims and restore security to the affected communities.