Tinubu vows justice, orders rescue of abductees after Niger Market massacre

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered an immediate and coordinated security operation to track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the deadly Kasuwan Daji market attack in Niger State, which left about 42 people dead and scores abducted.

The President directed the Minister of Defence, General Christopher Musa (rtd); the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede; the Service Chiefs; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi, to ensure that those responsible for the massacre are swiftly brought to justice and that all abducted victims are rescued without delay.

The directive followed fresh revelations surrounding the coordinated assault carried out by terrorists believed to be operating from the National Park forest along the Kabe district, a few kilometres from Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area. The attackers stormed Kasuwan Daji market at Demo village while trading activities were ongoing, shooting indiscriminately, looting food items and setting shops ablaze, killing mostly women traders on the spot.

Although police authorities initially confirmed 30 deaths, local sources from border communities between Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas disclosed that the attackers went on to kill at least 12 more persons at Kwashies along the Babanna Road as they retreated towards the Kainji Park forest. It remained unclear whether the additional victims were abductees or villagers who resisted the bandits’ operations.

Eyewitnesses said the terrorists operated freely from Saturday afternoon into Sunday morning, targeting food markets and surrounding settlements. Residents described scenes of horror as shops were looted and torched, while villagers fled for safety. Community members revealed that the area has been under constant attacks since the release of 230 schoolchildren and staff abducted in Papiri last November, leaving residents living in fear of further assaults.

Confirming the incident, the Niger State Police Command said suspected bandits invaded the market around 4:30 pm on Saturday, burning the facility, looting shops and abducting several residents. A joint security team has since visited the area, while efforts are ongoing to rescue kidnapped victims and secure the surrounding communities.

In a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu strongly condemned the attack and described it as a test of Nigeria’s resolve against terrorism. He expressed condolences to the families of the victims and the people of Niger State, vowing that the perpetrators and their collaborators would face the full weight of the law.

“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must be hunted down and brought to justice. We will deny them any sanctuary and reclaim the peace of these communities,” the President declared, assuring that security operations would be intensified around forest corridors used as criminal hideouts.

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, also condemned the attack, describing it as cruel and nefarious. He said joint security forces were actively trailing the terrorists with a view to rescuing abducted victims, while urging residents to remain steadfast as government efforts to restore peace continue.

The Northern States Governors’ Forum equally denounced the killings, describing the attack on innocent traders as a grave assault on regional peace and livelihoods. The Forum called on security agencies to act decisively, while also mourning victims of a separate boat mishap in Yobe State that claimed at least 25 lives.

Similarly, Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, Dapo Abiodun, described the massacre as a crime against humanity and demanded swift justice for the victims. He urged security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure the attackers are crushed completely and never allowed to strike again.

As investigations and rescue operations continue, authorities have renewed calls for unity and vigilance, stressing that Nigeria must confront the growing threat of terrorism with collective resolve to protect innocent lives and restore lasting peace.