The Northern States Governors’ Forum (NGF) has thrown its weight behind President Bola Tinubu’s directive to security agencies to track down and apprehend terrorists responsible for the deadly attack on Kasuwan-Daji market in Niger State.
The forum strongly condemned the attack, which led to the killing of over 30 persons in the Demo community of Borgu Local Government Area, describing it as a cruel assault on innocent citizens and a grave threat to peace and livelihoods in the region.
Naijaonpoint reports that in a statement issued on Sunday by the forum’s chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, the governors expressed profound shock and outrage over the incident.
Yahaya said the attack had inflicted untold grief on families, disrupted economic activities, and unsettled communities that were hitherto peaceful.
“Such senseless acts of terror targeting market women, traders, and citizens going about their lawful activities are morally reprehensible and strike at the very heart of communal harmony and regional economic life,” he said.
The statement was signed by the Director-General, Press Affairs, Government House, Ismaila Misillim.
The NSGF chairman condemned the perpetrators in unequivocal terms and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down and apprehend those responsible for the massacre.
He stressed that the attackers must be made to face justice to serve as a deterrent to others.
Yahaya also extended the forum’s deepest condolences to the families of the victims, the Niger State Government, and affected communities, while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.
“We pray for strength for the bereaved and the swift rescue of those abducted,” he added.
Naijaonpoint reports that President Tinubu had earlier directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the Director-General of the Department of State Services to hunt down the perpetrators of the Kasuwan-Daji attack.
In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the President vowed that those behind the attack would face the full weight of the law.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions.
“No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice,” he added.
The President also ordered security agencies to ensure the urgent rescue of all abducted victims.
The deadly attack occurred on Saturday evening at the Kasuwan-Daji market in the Demo community of Borgu LGA.
Gunmen, suspected to be terrorists, reportedly stormed the market and operated until the early hours of Sunday without resistance.
A resident of the area disclosed that about 42 people were tied up and killed by the attackers, who also abducted several others.
The assailants were said to have carted away foodstuffs and valuables worth millions of naira before setting parts of the market ablaze.
Sources said the attackers emerged from the National Park in Borgu LGA and launched the attack in broad daylight.
The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday.
Meanwhile, the Northern Governors also mourned victims of a tragic boat accident in Yobe State, which claimed at least 25 lives, with 14 persons still missing.
Yahaya described the incident as a painful reminder of the urgent need to prioritise safety in all modes of transportation.
He urged relevant authorities to intensify search and rescue operations, ensure survivors receive immediate medical attention, and review safety protocols to prevent future occurrences.
The NSGF chairman appealed to citizens across the North to remain united, calm, and compassionate during the difficult period.
He reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to working with federal and security agencies to tackle insecurity, strengthen emergency response systems, and support communities affected by tragic incidents.