Buhari: Shiroro attack, direct assault on Nigeria

President Muhammadu Buhari has described Thursday’s attack in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State as a direct assault on Nigeria which will not be allowed to go unpunished.

The Star had reported over 40 people, including soldiers, police officers, and civilians were killed during the attack on a mining site in the Ajata-Aboki area of Niger State.

Over 30 soldiers, seven policemen, and six civilians were killed in the attack, while scores sustained varying degrees of injuries and others kidnapped.

Speaking on the incident, Buhari, in a statement issued on Friday by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, commiserated with the security operatives who lost their lives in the process of defending the attack.

The President said though the Federal Government has reduced Boko Haram to a shell of its former self, the terrorists are “parasites” that thrive when the “world is suffering”.

He said: “We honour our security forces, and particularly those brave souls who have given their lives fighting against the evil that is terrorism. They constitute the best that Nigeria has to offer and we remember each of them.

“Sadly, Nigeria’s fight against terrorism continues. It is a battle that is taking its toll on all of us. But we shall not relent, nor shall we surrender.

“We say it again that we have reduced Boko Haram to a shell of its former self. But terrorists are parasites. They thrive when the world is suffering.

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“This atrocity only serves to further strengthen us against them. Nigeria is united in obliterating these demons. Each day we grow closer to that goal. When they lash out during times of global suffering it is the act of a cornered animal, an act of desperation.

“As always, their goal is the same: to sow fear and division amongst us. We will not let them.

“Instead let us pray for the families and loved ones of those who sacrificed their lives in the fight against evil, and let us pray for the safe and speedy return of those abducted. We will do everything possible to ensure their return.

“And to the sadists, I say this: we are coming. No matter what rock you crawl under, what hole you sink into, what lie you hide behind, we are coming and we will find you. Shiroro will see justice. Nigeria will know peace,” President Buhari stated.

The Star