PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has condemned Thursday’s terrorist attack in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, describing it as a direct assault on Nigeria.
The ICIR reported that terrorists killed security operatives and abducted four Chinese nationals and an unknown number of workers at a mining site in Shiroro LGA of Niger State on Wednesday.
READ ALSO:
Buhari makes 12 foreign trips in six months, might exceed N1. 5bn budget
Deborah: Buhari condemns killing, orders extensive probe
Buhari condemns Mali’s coup, asks ‘unconstitutional authority’ to restore constitutional order
Buhari Condemns Zamfara Mob Killings
Fifteen soldiers and seven mobile policemen were, reportedly, among those killed during the attack.
Reacting to the development on Friday, Buhari, in a statement issued by his spokesperson Garba Shehu, also paid tribute to the security operatives who lost their lives in the attack.
Buhari vowed that the perpetrators will not go unpunished and asked Nigerians to pray for the safe return of those abducted during the incident.
He said the government will do everything possible to ensure their safe return.
“We honour our security forces, and particularly those brave souls who have given their lives fighting against the evil that is terrorism. They constitute the best that Nigeria has to offer and we remember each of them.
“Sadly, Nigeria’s fight against terrorism continues. It is a battle that is taking its toll on all of us.
“But we shall not relent, nor shall we surrender. We say it again that we have reduced Boko Haram to a shell of its former self. But terrorists are parasites. They thrive when the world is suffering.
“Instead let us pray for the families and loved ones of those who sacrificed their lives in the fight against evil, and let us pray for the safe and speedy return of those abducted. We will do everything possible to ensure their return.”
The President added, “And to the sadists, I say this: we are coming. No matter what rock you crawl under, what hole you sink into, what lie you hide behind, we are coming and we will find you. Shiroro will see justice. Nigeria will know peace.”
'Niyi worked with The ICIR as an Investigative Reporter and Fact-checker from 2020 till September 2022. You can shoot him an email via [email protected]. You can as well follow him on Twitter via @niyi_oyedeji.