President Bola Tinubu has condemned the attack on Kasuwan Daji Market in the Demo community of Niger State and ordered the service chiefs to track down and apprehend the perpetrators.

Mr Tinubu, in a statement on Sunday by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, described the attack as a direct test of the nation’s resolve against terrorism and insecurity.

The president, who lamented the killing of 30 people and abduction of many others on Saturday, directed the Minister of Defence, the Chief of Defence Staff, the service chiefs, the Inspector-General of Police, and the director-general of the State Security Service (SSS) to hunt the perpetrators.

“These terrorists have tested the resolve of our country and its people. They must, therefore, face the full consequences of their criminal actions,” said Mr Tinubu. “No matter who they are or what their intent is, they must be hunted down.”

He added, “They, and all those who aid, abet, or enable them in any form, will be caught and brought to justice.”

Mr Tinubu also expressed sympathy with the families of victims and commiserated with the government and people of Niger State.

The president said his government would not allow terrorists and criminal elements to undermine national peace or threaten the safety of citizens.

“President Tinubu assured the people of Niger State that security agencies have been mandated to intensify operations around vulnerable communities, particularly those near the forests that have served as hideouts for criminal elements,” the statement said.

He urged Nigerians to remain united and cautioned against divisive rhetoric that could undermine national security.

“These times demand our humanity. We must stand together as one people and confront these monsters in unison. United, we can and must defeat them and deny them any sanctuary. We must reclaim the peace and security of these attacked communities,” he said.