Vice President Kashim Shettima has expressed deep condolences to the government and people of Borno State over the recent terrorist attack in Darajamal Community, Bama Local Government Area, which claimed many lives.
Shettima reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the armed forces to review security operations, including the deployment of advanced military hardware and surveillance equipment to eliminate terrorist groups nationwide.
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, also condemned the wave of attacks recorded over the weekend in Kaduna, Borno, Katsina, Plateau, Kwara, and other states, lamenting the killings of innocent citizens. In a statement issued through his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Musa Krishi, Abbas described the killings as gruesome and unfortunate, urging decisive action by security agencies to safeguard lives and restore stability.
In Borno State, Governor Babagana Zulum visited Darajamal on Saturday to condole with families of victims, both soldiers and civilians, who were killed in the Friday night Boko Haram attack. Shettima, in his condolence message, described the incident as a profound loss to the state and the nation. “These deaths have left the entire nation in collective grief, but we are confident that justice will be served for the bereaved families,” he said. He assured that the federal government would continue to support the state and affected families, citing Tinubu’s approval for the acquisition of drones and a review of operational strategies. He further highlighted the federal government’s consideration of state police, stressing the need for specialised units familiar with local terrains and communities.
In Kogi State, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 12 Brigade have recorded gains under Operation Egwua Atite II, launched in early September. According to Lieutenant Hassan Abdullahi, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, the operation across Lokoja, Kabba Bunu, and Yagba West LGAs neutralised scores of bandits, rescued abducted victims, and destroyed hideouts. On September 2, troops, with close air support from the 405 Helicopter Combat Training Group, engaged and killed several fleeing bandits in Ankomi.
Clearance operations on September 3 in Aleke, Ungwan Soni, and Ungwan Nyaba led to the rescue of Mr. Pabo Suleiman and his two children, while notorious bandit commander Kachalla Bala and five others were neutralised in another encounter. Troops also intercepted a logistics courier at Agbede–Adankoo Bridge, recovering ammunition, motorcycles, and mobile phones. Brigadier General Kasim Umar Sidi, Force Commander of Operation Accord III, pledged continued commitment to rid Kogi and neighbouring states of criminal elements.
Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. Yakubu Pam, while on a condolence visit in Kaduna, acknowledged Tinubu’s intentions to improve the country but cautioned that hardship and insecurity were testing citizens’ patience. “There is hardship. Whoever says that there is no hardship, I think that person is not speaking the truth,” Pam said. He urged the president to intensify efforts in tackling insecurity and economic challenges.
At least seven people were killed and 11 others injured on Sunday in Wake Community, Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State, where bandits also abducted an unspecified number of residents. In Katsina State, seven people were killed in Magajin Wando village, Dandume LGA, while in Kwara State, gunmen attacked Shagbe Community in Ifelodun LGA, killing two and kidnapping eight persons. In Plateau State, six miners were killed during an attack on a mining site in Wang Community, Bokkos LGA.
Abbas commiserated with families of victims, affected communities, and state governments, urging the security forces to rescue abductees, apprehend perpetrators, and ensure justice. He stressed the urgent need for coordinated action against the rising tide of banditry and terrorism threatening national security and stability.
