By Cross Udo, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu has directed the Armed Forces, the Nigeria Police Force and intelligence agencies to launch an intensified manhunt for the perpetrators of the deadly attack on Naridon Village in Kamaru Ward, Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State, following the killing of about 30 residents.
The directive came barely 24 hours after gunmen invaded the community in the early hours of Monday, leaving scores of villagers, including women and children, dead and several houses razed in one of the latest waves of violence to hit communities along the Kaduna–Plateau axis.
The presidential order was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
Condemning the attack in strong terms, Tinubu described the killings as an unprovoked act of terror against innocent citizens and vowed that those responsible would be hunted down and made to face the full weight of the law.
“I have directed the Armed Forces, the Police and relevant intelligence agencies to intensify operations across the affected areas, track down the perpetrators swiftly and restore normalcy to the region,” the President said.
He warned that individuals or groups attempting to reverse the security gains recorded in Kaduna State would not escape justice.
“This barbaric and cowardly attack on innocent citizens will not go unpunished. Those responsible will be identified, apprehended and brought to justice.”
Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture through improved operational capacity and sustained efforts to dismantle criminal groups threatening lives and national stability.
“Our administration remains unwavering in its commitment to strengthening security infrastructure, equipping response personnel and neutralising criminal networks attempting to disrupt the peace of our nation.”
The President appealed to residents of affected communities to work closely with security agencies by providing credible and timely intelligence to prevent further attacks and facilitate rapid security responses.
“I urge our local communities to cooperate with security forces by providing actionable intelligence that will support early response efforts and help secure their communities.”
The latest directive comes amid renewed concerns over recurring attacks on rural communities in parts of Kaduna State despite repeated assurances by security authorities that ongoing military operations have significantly degraded armed groups operating in the region.
Tinubu extended his condolences to the families of those killed, Governor Uba Sani, the Kaduna State Government and the people of the state, describing the incident as a tragic loss to the nation.
He assured survivors and the affected communities of the Federal Government’s support during the period of mourning, while reiterating that his administration would sustain efforts to confront insecurity and safeguard lives and property across the country.
The attack on Naridon Village has added to growing security concerns in Nigeria’s North-West and North-Central regions, where armed banditry and communal violence continue to pose significant threats despite intensified security operations.
*Another bloodshed rocks Benue as gunmen kill scores in Otukpo
Meanwhile, fresh violence erupted in Benue State on Tuesday as suspected armed herders invaded Efeyi Community in the Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area, killing scores of residents and leaving many others with gunshot wounds in yet another deadly assault on communities in the state.
The attackers reportedly stormed the agrarian settlement in the early hours of the day, opening fire on residents in an attack that has heightened concerns over the worsening security situation in parts of Benue.
Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the killings, describing the assault as a barbaric attack on innocent citizens and vowed that those responsible would be tracked down and brought to justice.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Tersoo Kula, the governor said the latest bloodshed would not deter his administration from protecting the lives and property of Benue people.
“Scores of persons have been murdered, while many others sustained varying degrees of injuries after suspected armed herdsmen launched yet another attack on the Efeyi community in Ugboju District of Otukpo Local Government Area,” the statement said.
Alia commended the Benue State Police Command for its swift response to the incident, disclosing that security operatives engaged the fleeing attackers in a gun battle that led to the killing of two suspected bandits.
According to the governor, police personnel moved into the area immediately after receiving reports of the attack and pursued the assailants into the surrounding area.
“A fierce exchange of gunfire ensued as the police closed in on the attackers. Two of the armed bandits, believed to have stayed behind to provide cover for the others to escape, were neutralised,” he said.
The governor assured residents that security operations would continue until every individual involved in the attack was apprehended, stressing that his administration would sustain logistical and operational support for security agencies battling violent crimes across the state.
He declared that no criminal group would be allowed to intimidate communities or force residents from their ancestral homes.
“Benue land belongs to Benue people. Anyone who believes they can invade our communities, displace our people and take over their land should think again.”
Reaffirming his constitutional responsibility to protect the state’s citizens, Alia said his government remained committed to restoring peace and preventing further attacks.
“Our people are peaceful and hardworking. I was elected to protect them, and I will deploy every legitimate means available to ensure their lives are protected, and our land remains secure.”
The latest attack adds to a series of deadly assaults that have continued to plague rural communities in Benue State, despite repeated security interventions, with renewed calls for stronger measures to halt the persistent killings and safeguard farming communities.
