President Buhari promises to punish perpetrators of Shiroro attack and save captives

The President, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), said Friday his government would do everything possible to ensure the return of those kidnapped in an attack on a mining site in Niger state's Shiroro Local Government Area.

He described the attack as a direct attack on Nigeria that would not go unpunished.

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In a statement signed by his senior special assistant for media and public relations Garba Shehu on Friday, the president also paid tribute to the military personnel who lost their lives fighting off the attack, saying their efforts will not be in vain.

The statement is titled "President Buhari: Attack on Shiroro is an attack on Nigeria itself. It will not go unpunished."

According to PUNCH, suspected terrorists killed over 43 people, including 30 soldiers and seven mobile police officers, in Wednesday's attack. According to residents, several Chinese and Nigerian nationals were also kidnapped.

Reacting to the incident, Buhari said: "We honour our security forces and especially those brave souls who gave their lives fighting the evil that is terrorism. They represent the best that Nigeria has to offer and we remember each one of them.

“Unfortunately, Nigeria's fight against terrorism continues. It is a struggle that is taking its toll on all of us. But we will not give in, nor will 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 suffers.

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

“Their goal is the same as always: to sow fear and division among us. We won't let them.

“Instead, let us pray for the families and loved ones of those who gave their lives fighting the evil and let us pray for the safe and speedy return of those kidnapped. We will do everything to ensure their return.

"And to the sadists, I say this: Here we come. 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,” the President assured.