…as Tinubu orders troops to hunt terrorists, abductors
By Sodiq Adelakun and Austine Emmanuel
A deepening sense of despair and anger grips Nigeria as the country contends with a fresh and brutal cycle of mass abductions and terrorist attacks across the Northern regions, specifically targeting states like Kebbi, Zamfara, and Niger.
The recent incidents including the kidnapping of numerous schoolgirls from a secondary school in Kebbi and the carting away of entire families in Zamfara have triggered a wave of public frustration. Citizens, activists, and political opposition figures have uniformly condemned the government’s response, arguing that insecurity has become a structural feature of Nigerian life rather than an episodic tragedy.
Reactions from the political sphere reflected growing national fatigue, escalating quickly into demands for the President’s accountability, including his resignation. While the Federal Government issued condemnations and promised swift action to rescue the victims, statements critics often dismiss as routine, opposition leaders seized the moment to point to systemic failure.
President Tinubu, in a visible effort to address the urgency, postponed scheduled trips to the G20 Summit in South Africa and the AU-EU Summit in Angola to await further security briefings.
The calls for the President’s resignation gained significant public traction, especially after rapper and activist Folarin Falana (Falz) directly quoted a 2014 tweet by Tinubu, where the then-opposition leader demanded the resignation of former President Goodluck Jonathan over similar mass abductions. “You have consistently shown your unwillingness to protect the lives and property of our people… RESIGN NOW!” Falz posted on X.
Similarly, a Yoruba socio-cultural group, Ìgbìnmó Májékóbájé Ilé-Yorùbá, demanded the President step down, accusing the government of having lost control of its security architecture.
The crisis has compelled religious figures, who often command immense influence in Nigerian society, to speak out, offering a mix of spiritual guidance, political criticism, and controversially, defense of the system itself.
The Northern chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned the rising wave of insecurity across the country, describing recent incidents as painful reminders of the severe security challenges confronting both citizens and security personnel.
The association expressed deep sorrow over the recent attack on a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Kwara State, which left worshippers killed and several abducted. It also condemned the killing of a senior military officer, a General, in Borno State by ISWAP terrorists, and the abduction of school children in Kebbi State.
In a statement on Wednesday, the Chairman of Northern CAN, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, said the association stands in full solidarity with the victims, their families, and the affected communities during this difficult period.
He noted that the pain and trauma experienced by families who have lost loved ones or have children in captivity cannot be overstated. Rev. Hayab stressed that Northern CAN is praying for comfort for the bereaved, divine healing for the injured, and the safe return of all abducted persons.
While commending the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sacrifices, the association warned that the resurgence of terror attacks appears to be a deliberate attempt to further destabilise the country. It urged the military not to allow these incidents to dampen their morale.
Rev. Hayab called on the new security chiefs and troops to intensify their operations and demonstrate a renewed determination to defeat insurgents, bandits, and other criminal networks threatening national peace.
He further appealed to the Federal Government to redouble its efforts in securing schools, worship centres, and vulnerable communities. According to him, Nigerians expect decisive action to ensure that those behind these heinous crimes are arrested and prosecuted, giving victims the assurance that justice will be served.
Northern CAN condemned the attacks in their entirety, describing them as unacceptable acts of evil that must not be allowed to fester. The association called for stronger collaboration between security agencies, state governments, and community structures to prevent further tragedies.
Also reacting, the President of the Youth Wing of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Apostle Emmanuel Iren tweeted: “For a Country where most people already provide their own water, electricity and everything , we shouldn’t have to also provide our own security. We have a government. This monstrosity cannot continue”
Reacting, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has placed the nation’s security apparatus on the highest alert to actively pursue terrorists, bandits, and other criminal elements across the country.
In a statement delivered at a press briefing on Wednesday by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
The Federal Government has intensified efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and criminal activity across Nigeria, following recent attacks including the killing of a high-ranking army general, the abduction of students in Kebbi State, and an attack on a church in Kwara State.
Th statement reads:“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended his earnest sympathies to Nigerians affected by the acts of violence perpetrated by the enemies of the Nigerian nation, mainly, terrorists, bandits, and other sundry criminal elements.
“The recent tragic killing of a high-ranking Army General, the abduction of students in Kebbi State, and the attack on a Church in Kwara State, amongst others, are a stark and painful reminder of the threat we face.
“This heinous attack on those dedicated to our protection and on the future of our youth, and the assault on our places of worship, only strengthen the resolve of the Federal Government to rise above the challenges and deal a permanent blow to terrorism.
“As you are all aware, President Tinubu has postponed his international engagements particularly the G20 Meeting in South Africa to allow him to focus on the developments within Nigeria.
“The President has also directed the Military and the Police to deploy more men in Eruku and the entire Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
“Also, the Vice President, His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, at the behest of the President, is at present in Birnin Kebbi to meet with the Governor of Kebbi state, His Excellency Alhaji Nasir Idris, security chiefs, traditional rulers, and families of the abducted school girls.
“The VP’s entourage includes the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Professor Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, the newly appointed Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Dr Bernard Doro, the Minister of Women Affairs, Honourable Imaan Suleiman Ibrahim, and the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Hajiya Zubaida Umar.
“Let it be known that President Tinubu has put our nation’s security apparatuses on the highest alert ever, and has deployed to actively pursue and eliminate terrorists, bandits, and criminal elements wherever they may be in Nigeria. Our security forces have also been mandated to swiftly rescue the abducted Kebbi school girls and reunite them with their families.”
The Minister stressed that framing Nigeria’s security challenges in religious terms is “factually inaccurate and dangerously counterproductive,” noting that the country faces threats from terrorism and banditry across all ethnic and religious communities.
He added that Nigeria remains a multi-faith nation where the freedom of worship is constitutionally guaranteed and must be respected by all citizens.
Idris called on Nigerians to reject misinformation and division, emphasising that the nation’s common enemies are terrorists, bandits, and criminals bent on destabilising the country.
The Minister assured that the Federal Government is deploying all available resources to ensure the rescue of the Kebbi school girls and restore safety to affected communities.
