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.
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