Ogun State Governor and Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum (SGF), Prince Dapo Abiodun, has condemned the gruesome killing of at least 42 people and the abduction of several others by terrorists in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas of Niger State, describing the attack as callous, senseless, and a crime against humanity.

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abeokuta, Abiodun expressed deep condolences to Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, as well as the government and people of the state over what he termed a tragic and deeply disturbing incident.

The governor urged security agencies to swiftly track down the perpetrators and ensure their arrest and prosecution, stressing that such acts of brutality must not go unpunished.

He also sympathised with the affected communities and families, lamenting that innocent and law-abiding citizens could be brutally murdered while going about their lawful activities.

Speaking on behalf of the government and people of Ogun State and his colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum, Abiodun said the attack should not weaken the resolve of the Niger State Government to continue safeguarding lives and property.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Ogun State and my colleagues in the Southern Governors’ Forum, I commiserate with the Government and people of Niger State over the dastardly terrorist attacks that left 42 people dead and many others abducted,” he said.

“I urge His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, not to allow this terrible incident to dampen his morale and determination to protect lives and property in Niger State.”

Abiodun described the assault on innocent citizens as a stain on the nation’s conscience, warning that such barbaric acts must never be allowed to recur.

“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,” he added.

The governor prayed for the repose of the souls of the victims and strength for their families to bear the loss.

“I commiserate with the families who have lost their loved ones and pray that Almighty God grants them the fortitude to endure this painful ordeal,” he said.

Calling for decisive action, Abiodun urged security agencies to deploy all available resources to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice.

“The perpetrators must be tracked, hunted down, and crushed with the full weight of the Nigerian State so that they never again have the opportunity to slaughter innocent citizens,” he said.