Professor Nentawe Yilwatda, the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has unequivocally condemned the recent spate of terrorist attacks that ravaged communities in the Agwara and Borgu local government areas of Niger State. These barbaric incidents tragically claimed the lives of approximately 42 individuals and led to the abduction of numerous others, including women and children. In a statement issued by his special adviser on Media and Communication Strategy, Abimbola Tooki, Yilwatda denounced the attacks as inhuman, utterly unacceptable, and a direct assault on Nigeria’s peace, unity, and collective conscience.

The APC national chairman expressed profound distress over persistent reports of violence across the affected communities. This included the brutal killing of unarmed villagers in Kasuwan Daji and Kaima, the deliberate torching of markets, and the widespread destruction of homes and places of worship. Particularly alarming was the abduction of pupils and students from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri. Professor Yilwatda conveyed deep sympathy and solidarity with Governor Mohammed Bago, the government, and the people of Niger State, especially the families and communities grappling with immense and irreparable losses, emphasizing that such senseless violence against innocent citizens is an affront to shared humanity.

Commending the decisive and swift actions of President Bola Tinubu, Professor Yilwatda highlighted the President's immediate directives to key security figures. President Tinubu instructed 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 (DSS) to promptly track down and apprehend the perpetrators responsible for the Kasuwan Daji attack, ensuring they are brought to justice without delay. Furthermore, the President mandated all relevant security agencies to urgently rescue all abducted victims, underscoring the administration’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding lives and property.

Intelligence reports, as noted by Yilwatda, suggest that the attackers are terrorists suspected to have fled from Sokoto and Zamfara states following a United States’ air strike on Christmas Eve. He reassured the public that Nigeria’s security architecture remains fully alert and is responding robustly to prevent the further spread of violence. The APC, he affirmed, fully supports President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s resolute actions and renewed determination to eradicate terrorism and banditry across the nation, acknowledging the administration's strong political will, enhanced coordination among security agencies, and commitment to intelligence-led operations aimed at dismantling criminal networks.

Reiterating the party's unwavering support, the APC National Chairman affirmed that the party stands solidly behind every lawful and strategic action designed to bring terrorism, banditry, and violent extremism to a permanent end in Nigeria. He urged citizens to continue their cooperation with security agencies by providing timely and credible information, while also calling upon traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to collaborate closely with government authorities to facilitate the restoration of lasting peace. Professor Yilwatda concluded with an assurance: “The forces of terror will not defeat our collective resolve. Nigeria will prevail,” reaffirming the APC's commitment to building a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria, free from the grip of criminal groups that hold citizens hostage through fear and violence.