Kwara, Kebbi Abductions and the Federal Government’s Response

Kwara, Kebbi Abductions and the Federal Government’s Response

The recent wave of violent attacks in Nigeria has reignited national and international concern, particularly following the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the assault on worshippers in Kwara State.

 The Federal Government has attributed this resurgence of terror activities to recent pronouncements from the United States, which it claims have emboldened opportunistic violent groups.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, stated that remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump, alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and threatening possible deployment of American forces, had inadvertently provided extremist groups with justification to intensify attacks.

 Akume emphasized that insurgency structures had previously been degraded to isolated banditry, but the international narrative has now been exploited by violent actors seeking visibility. He reaffirmed Nigeria’s stance against foreign military intervention, stressing instead the need for targeted support in intelligence, technology, and equipment.

The Kebbi incident occurred in the early hours of Monday when bandits stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area.

The Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, was killed while attempting to protect students, and at least 26 girls were abducted, though two managed to escape. In Kwara, gunmen attacked the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku during a live-streamed service, killing worshippers and abducting about 35 congregants.

The brazen assault, captured on video, has sparked outrage and protests, with residents accusing security agencies of negligence.

President Bola Tinubu postponed his scheduled trips to the G20 Summit in South Africa and the AU–EU Summit in Angola to focus on the crisis. He directed Vice President Kashim Shettima to visit Kebbi for an assessment and ordered the deployment of additional security forces to Kwara. Tinubu reiterated his commitment to rescuing the abducted schoolgirls and condemned the attacks as unacceptable breaches of national security.

The incidents have drawn sharp criticism from political figures, civil society, and religious organizations. The Jama’atu Nasril Islam, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, described the Kebbi abduction as “one tragedy too many,” likening it to the infamous Chibok and Dapchi kidnappings.

The Christian Association of Nigeria in Kwara warned that the Eruku attack could be interpreted as a direct assault on the Christian community. Opposition voices, including former governors Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, accused the government of failing in its primary duty to protect citizens, while activists such as Omoyele Sowore and artists like Falz and Simi demanded decisive action or even presidential resignation.

Public anger has been further fueled by allegations of police complicity and poor coordination among security agencies. Local vigilantes and youth leaders in Kwara accused the police of obstructing community efforts to pursue the attackers, while protests erupted on major highways demanding accountability.

The Federal Government has rejected the “Christian genocide” narrative, insisting that insurgents target both churches and mosques, killing Muslims and Christians alike. Akume stressed that Nigeria remains a secular state, with government appointments reflecting religious diversity.

Nevertheless, the African Democratic Congress warned that the government’s defensive posture risks turning the genocide narrative into a self-fulfilling prophecy.

The abductions in Kebbi and Kwara underscore Nigeria’s persistent struggle with insecurity, particularly mass kidnappings that have plagued the country since Chibok in 2014.

Religious bodies, political leaders, and civil society groups are united in demanding urgent, decisive measures to restore public confidence and safeguard vulnerable communities.

The government faces mounting pressure to move beyond rhetoric and deliver tangible results in the fight against insurgency and banditry.