Dare Babalola
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, have condemned the attack on Kasuwan Daji market in Demo community, Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Suspected terrorists killed scores of people, kidnapped many others, and set the market ablaze on Saturday.
On his part, the Speaker tasked the security and intelligence agencies to execute President Bola Tinubu’s order for the manhunt of the perpetrators.
The Speaker, while describing the attack as gruesome and unfortunate, urged the security forces to show concrete results as they followed the presidential order.
Abbas also commended President Bola Tinubu for providing the needed leadership at critical times; even as he reiterated parliament’s resolve to always provide legislative interventions where necessary.
He commiserated with the families of those killed by the attackers while praying to God to heal those who were injured.
The Speaker also sent heartfelt condolences to the people and the government of Niger State over the unfortunate attack.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Monday by her Special Adviser on Media, Mike Idoko, Akpoti-Uduaghan condemned the attack, describing it as another grim reminder of Nigeria’s worsening security crisis.
She further said the incident is “heartbreaking, senseless, and a tragic reminder of the worsening insecurity confronting many Nigerian communities.”
“My heart is heavy as I mourn the innocent men and women who were brutally murdered at Kasuwan Daji Market.
“These were ordinary Nigerians going about their lawful activities, only to be cut down by evil forces that have no regard for human life, the senator said.”
She extended condolences to the bereaved families and the people of Niger State, assuring them of her solidarity at what she described as a moment of profound grief.
“I sympathise profoundly with the families who have lost loved ones in this cruel attack,” she stated. “No words can truly heal such pain, but I pray that God grants the families the strength and comfort to bear these irreparable losses.”
The senator also expressed concern over reports of abductions and the destruction of the market, warning that such attacks go beyond the loss of lives to cripple local economies and livelihoods.
“The burning of the market and the kidnapping of innocent citizens further deepen the trauma on these communities,” she said. “This cycle of violence must not be allowed to continue unchecked.”
Calling for urgent action, Akpoti-Uduaghan urged security agencies to swiftly track down and bring the perpetrators to justice.
“I call on the Federal Government and security agencies to act swiftly, decisively, and transparently in apprehending those responsible. Our people deserve protection, and criminals terrorising our communities must be confronted with the full weight of the law,” she said.
She further stressed the need for a proactive, intelligence-driven security approach, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities increasingly targeted by criminal gangs.
“Nigeria cannot afford to normalise these tragedies,” she added. “Protecting lives and property is the foremost duty of any government, and urgent steps must be taken to restore peace and confidence among our people.”
