School-age children, women’s abduction: FG calls it cowardly, vows to rescue abductees

The Federal Government has condemned in strong terms the abduction of internally displaced persons (IDPs) at Wurge Community in the Ngala council area of Borno State by a group of armed ISWAP terrorists and the abduction of school-age children at Government Secondary School (GSS) Kuriga in Gwagwada District, Chikun , by a group of bandits.

Mr. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, said this in a statement emailed to Persecondnews on Saturday.

“These abductions are utterly unacceptable and go against all the fundamental values of humanity. The government stands resolutely against any form of violence or coercion targeted at innocent civilians, especially the most vulnerable among us.

“Our children deserve to seek education in conditions devoid of harm or threat of harm, and any threat to their security is a direct attack on the future of our country.

“While extending heartfelt sympathies to the families and communities affected by this distressing event, the President has directed security agencies to swiftly ensure the safe return of all abducted persons, and the arrest of the perpetrators.

“The government will spare no effort in our pursuit of justice for the victims and in our determination to hold perpetrators of such heinous acts accountable to the full extent of the law.

“The public is urged to remain calm but vigilant, and to provide any relevant information that may assist the security agencies. Collective action and solidarity are essential if we are to effectively combat the menace of banditry, insurgency, and insecurity in our country,” Idris said.

“Furthermore, the government reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of citizens, and will continue to work very hard to ensure that the capacity of criminals to launch these attacks is constantly and irreversibly degraded.”