The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday asserted that the terrorists’ attack on a mining site in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State is a direct assault on Nigeria.
He pointed out that the perpetrators of the attack are demons and will not go unpunished.
Terrorists numbering about 100 had on June 29 attacked a mining site in Shiroro LG, killing six soldiers, seven policemen and five civilians.
Reacting to the attack, Buhari said ‘We honour our security forces, and particularly those brave souls who have given their lives fighting the evil that is terrorism.
‘Sadly, Nigeria’s fight against terrorism continues. It is a battle that is taking its toll on all of us. But we shall not relent, nor shall 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 is suffering.
This atrocity only serves to further strengthen us against them. Nigeria is united in obliterating these demons. Each day we grow closer to that goal. When they lash out during times of global suffering, it is the act of a cornered animal, an act of desperation.’
According to Buhari, ‘As always, their goal is the same: to sow fear and division amongst us. We will not let them.
Instead let us pray for the families and loved ones of those who sacrificed their lives in the fight against evil, and let us pray for the safe and speedy return of those abducted.
‘We will do everything possible to ensure their return. And to the sadists, I say this: we are coming. 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.’