The Northern States Governors’ Forum has expressed strong support for President Bola Tinubu’s directive ordering security agencies to track down and apprehend those responsible for the deadly attack at the Kasuwan Daji market in Niger State.
The forum also condemned the assault, which claimed the lives of more than 30 people in the Demo community of Borgu Local Government Area, describing it as a brutal attack on innocent citizens and a serious threat to peace and economic stability.
In a statement issued by the forum’s chairman and Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Yahaya, the governors said they were deeply shocked and outraged by the incident, noting that it had brought immense sorrow to families, disrupted livelihoods, and unsettled communities that had previously been peaceful.
Yahaya said the deliberate targeting of market women, traders and residents carrying out lawful activities was morally indefensible and struck at the core of communal harmony and regional economic life.
The statement, signed by the Director-General of Press Affairs at the Government House, Ismaila Misillim, said the forum condemned the attackers in the strongest terms and called on security agencies to intensify efforts to track down those responsible and ensure they are brought to justice.
The governors extended their condolences to the families of the victims, the government and people of Niger State, and other affected communities, while praying for the repose of the souls of those killed, strength for the bereaved, and the safe rescue of those abducted.
They reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to continued collaboration with federal authorities and security agencies to strengthen the region’s security framework and protect lives and livelihoods across northern Nigeria.
In a related development, the forum also mourned the victims of a tragic boat accident in Yobe State that claimed at least 25 lives, with 14 passengers still missing. Yahaya described the incident as a painful reminder of the urgent need to prioritise safety across all forms of transportation.
He urged relevant authorities to intensify search and rescue operations, ensure survivors receive prompt medical care, and review safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The forum further appealed to residents of the North to remain united and compassionate during this difficult period, while restating its resolve to work with all relevant agencies to address insecurity, improve emergency response systems, and support affected communities.
President Tinubu, meanwhile, has directed 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 to ensure the perpetrators of the Kasuwan Daji attack are swiftly apprehended.
“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions.
“No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down. They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice,” the President said in a statement issued by his spokesman, Bayo Onanuga.
He also ordered security agencies to rescue all abducted victims without delay.
The attack, which occurred on Saturday evening and lasted into the early hours of Sunday, saw armed assailants invade the Kasuwan Daji market, abduct residents, steal foodstuffs and valuables worth millions of naira, and set the market ablaze.
A resident said about 42 people were tied up and killed during the assault, which was carried out without resistance. The attackers were reportedly believed to have emerged from a national park in the area and struck in broad daylight. The Niger State Police Command confirmed the incident on Sunday.
What you should know
The Kasuwan Daji market attack has heightened concerns over insecurity in Niger State and the wider northern region, prompting strong reactions from both the presidency and northern governors.
President Tinubu’s directive signals a renewed push for accountability, while the governors’ backing underscores regional unity against terrorism. Beyond the tragic loss of lives, the incident has disrupted local economies and deepened fears among rural communities.
Authorities now face growing pressure to not only apprehend the perpetrators but also prevent further attacks through improved intelligence, stronger security presence and coordinated regional action.
