President Bola Tinubu has extended his condolences to the families of those killed in a recent terrorist attack on the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.
The president described the incident as a tragic act of violence against innocent citizens and expressed sympathy to residents affected by the attack carried out by suspected Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.
The condolence message was conveyed in a statement released on Friday in Abuja by the president’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga.
In the statement, Tinubu lamented the loss of lives recorded during the attack and conveyed his sympathies to the families of the victims as well as the government and people of Borno State.
According to the presidency, the assault occurred in the Ngoshe community in Gwoza Local Government Area, an area that has experienced repeated security threats from insurgent groups in recent years.
Tinubu described the incident as a “heartless assault on innocent citizens,” noting that both civilians and security personnel were among those who lost their lives during the attack.
Tinubu also acknowledged that some of the casualties occurred during an aerial operation carried out by the Nigerian Air Force while pursuing the fleeing terrorists. According to the presidency, the air operation was aimed at neutralising the attackers after they launched the assault on the community.
While mourning the victims, the president urged residents of Borno State and other parts of the country not to give in to fear or panic despite the attack. He emphasised that the government remains committed to confronting terrorism and restoring lasting peace in the region.
“The attack by terrorists on helpless citizens is deeply saddening,” Tinubu said, while offering prayers for the souls of those who lost their lives in the attack and the subsequent military operation.
The president commended the Nigerian military for what he described as a swift and decisive response to the incident, noting that security forces were able to confront the attackers and repel them from the community.
According to the statement, the military operation resulted in the killing of several terrorists and forced others to retreat from the area.
Tinubu praised the efforts of the armed forces, describing their response as a demonstration of their commitment to protecting the country and defending innocent citizens from violent threats.
“The swift response of our gallant troops demonstrates their resolve to defend the nation and protect innocent lives,” the president said.
He further directed the military and other security agencies to intensify operations aimed at rescuing individuals who were abducted during the attack. The president emphasised that efforts must be sustained to ensure that those taken by the insurgents are safely returned to their families.
In addition, Tinubu charged the armed forces to strengthen ongoing security measures designed to protect civilians and prevent further attacks on communities and military installations across the North-East region.
The president’s message also included a call for continued cooperation between security agencies and local communities, noting that collective vigilance remains important in combating terrorism.
He reiterated the federal government’s commitment to improving security across the country and ensuring that those responsible for acts of violence are brought to justice.
