Katsina State Governor and Chairman of the North-West Governors’ Forum, Dikko Umaru Radda, has expressed profound grief over the recent violent attack on worshippers at a mosque in Borno State. The governor described the incident as a heart-wrenching and inhumane act carried out against innocent individuals who had gathered solely to observe prayers. He strongly emphasized that mosques, churches, and all religious centers should never be subjected to violence, as they exist to promote peace, unity, and spiritual reflection. In an official statement released on Saturday through his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Kaula Mohammed, Governor Radda confirmed that the attack led to the loss of several lives, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The incident, he noted, has thrown numerous families into sorrow and left entire communities emotionally shattered. According to the governor, every life lost in such an attack represents more than a statistic—it signifies a family plunged into grief and a community left traumatized. He stressed that places of worship must continue to serve as safe havens where people seek comfort, guidance, and hope, rather than becoming scenes of fear and bloodshed. Governor Radda further stated that the Borno mosque attack underscores the pressing need to intensify the nationwide fight against terrorism and violent extremism. He warned that continued attacks on civilian targets threaten national stability and undermine efforts aimed at restoring lasting peace. He called on Nigerian security agencies to step up surveillance, enhance intelligence gathering, and intensify field operations, urging them to ensure that those responsible for the attack are identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law. The Katsina State governor also appealed to Nigerians across all regions to remain alert, united, and resilient, noting that national unity remains a powerful tool in addressing insecurity and resisting extremist violence. Reaffirming his position, Governor Radda stated that Northern governors remain committed to working closely with the Federal Government and relevant security institutions to strengthen security architecture and safeguard lives and property across the country. He extended his heartfelt condolences to Borno State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum, as well as the government and people of Borno State. He also sympathized deeply with the families of those who lost loved ones in the attack. Governor Radda concluded by offering prayers for the peaceful rest of the deceased and asked for divine healing and swift recovery for those currently receiving medical treatment.
The United Kingdom Government has denounced the brutal execution of 38 kidnapped villagers in Banga community, Zamfara State, even after a ransom of ₦50 million was paid to their captors. This tragic event has sent shockwaves across both national and international communities. Gill Lever, who is the Acting British High Commissioner to Nigeria, referred to the gruesome event as a “horrific and inexcusable crime”, noting that it inflicts deep psychological and physical trauma on citizens and slows down Nigeria’s collective progress as a nation. “It affects people’s psychological and bodily health, delays development, and we must put an end to it,” Lever said during a security forum. She also expressed heartfelt sympathy to the grieving families and extended support to the broader population of Zamfara, emphasizing that such violent acts cannot continue without urgent and coordinated intervention. These comments were issued during a media session under the State Expansion Programme for the Anti-Kidnap Fusion Cell—a joint initiative between the UK and Nigeria’s National Counter‑Terrorism Centre (NCTC), designed to strengthen anti-kidnapping operations across multiple states. According to LMSINT MEDIA, the killings occurred shortly after gunmen led by a well-known criminal leader identified as Dan Sadiya raided Banga village. During the attack, the gang abducted 56 individuals. Although a substantial ransom of ₦50 million was delivered, only 18 of the abductees were eventually set free. Shockingly, the remaining 38 hostages were executed by the assailants. The Chairman of Kaura-Namoda Local Government Area, Mannir Haidara Kaura, confirmed the heartbreaking incident. He also revealed that those released are currently receiving medical attention in the hospital to treat physical injuries and emotional trauma. This violent development underscores the urgent need for improved national security infrastructure and stronger collaboration between Nigeria and its international allies. It also raises serious questions about the effectiveness of ransom negotiations and the persistent threats from criminal gangs operating freely in Nigeria’s northern regions.
