The Dapo Abiodun, Governor of Ogun State and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, has strongly condemned the gruesome killing of at least 42 people and the abduction of several others by terrorists in Agwarra and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State.
Governor Abiodun described the attack as callous, senseless, and a crime against humanity.
Condolences to Niger State
In a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta, Abiodun expressed deep sympathy to Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Niger State Government, and residents of the affected communities over what he described as a tragic and disturbing incident.
He lamented that innocent and law-abiding citizens were brutally attacked while going about their lawful activities.
Call for Swift Justice
The Ogun State governor urged security agencies to swiftly track down, arrest, and prosecute those responsible, stressing that such acts of brutality must not be allowed to go unpunished.
“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,” Abiodun said.
Message to Governor Bago
Speaking on behalf of the Government and people of Ogun State and his colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum, Abiodun encouraged Governor Bago not to allow the incident weaken his resolve to protect lives and property in Niger State.
“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 added.
Prayer for Victims, Strong Warning to Terrorists
Governor Abiodun prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and asked God to grant strength to 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.”
He further called on security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure that the perpetrators are hunted down and crushed, warning that they must never be allowed another opportunity to attack innocent Nigerians.
“The perpetrators must be completely crushed with all the resources available to the Nigerian State. May the souls of the victims rest in peace.”
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