Yilwatda condemns Niger killings, says terror will not defeat Nigeria

Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda,the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC),, has condemned the recent terrorist attacks in parts of Niger State, describing the killings as barbaric and a direct assault on Nigeria’s peace and unity.

In a statement issued on Monday, Yilwatda denounced the attacks on communities in Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas, where at least 42 people were killed and several others, including women and children, were abducted.

He described the assaults as “gruesome and senseless,” stressing that they were “barbaric, inhuman, and utterly unacceptable.”

Yilwatda expressed concern over reports of sustained violence in affected communities, including the killing of villagers in Kasuwan Daji and Kaima, the burning of markets, destruction of homes and places of worship, and the abduction of pupils and students from St. Mary’s Private Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri.

The APC chairman extended his sympathy to Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, the Niger State government and residents of the affected communities.

“This senseless violence against innocent citizens is an affront to our shared humanity. The APC stands firmly with the people of Niger State in this moment of grief and assures them that they are not alone,” Yilwatda said.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a swift and decisive response, noting that the president had directed top security officials to pursue the attackers.

Tinubu had earlier ordered 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 “immediately track down and apprehend the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack and ensure they are brought to justice without delay.”

“The forces of terror will not defeat our collective resolve. Nigeria will prevail,” Yilwatda assured.

He added that the APC remains committed to building “a secure, united, and prosperous Nigeria, where no criminal group is allowed to hold citizens hostage through fear and violence.”

Taofeek Oyedokun is a correspondent at BusinessDay with years of experience reporting on political economy, public policy, migration, environment/climate change, and social justice. A graduate of Political Science from the University of Lagos, he has also earned multiple professional certificates in journalism and media-related training. Known for his clear, data-driven reporting, Oyedokun covers a wide range of national and international socioeconomic issues, bringing depth, balance, and public-interest focus to his work.

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