Two people were killed on Wednesday after members of a local vigilante group in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, foiled an attempted abduction of students at Kiri High School.
The attack came just days after bandits abducted 25 schoolgirls from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State—who have since been released—and more than 300 pupils from St Mary’s Catholic School, Papiri, in Niger State.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also confirmed that a father of three of the abducted children in the Niger incident died of a heart attack following the trauma of the kidnapping.
How the Kogi Attack Was Foiled
Local sources said the Kiri Vigilante Group responded swiftly after bandits attempted to invade the school. The group reportedly rescued all students initially seized during the attack.
The operation, however, resulted in the death of one vigilante member and one Hausa resident, both hit by stray bullets.
Although police authorities were unreachable for confirmation, the Chairman of Kabba Bunu LGA, Zaccheus Dare Michael, confirmed the incident through his Chief Press Secretary, Omofa John.
“The bandits attacked, and they were resisted and repelled by our team of security men,” the statement said. “There are casualties, including one hunter and one Hausa man killed by stray bullets.”
He said a joint operation involving security agencies and vigilante groups was ongoing to track down the attackers and restore confidence in the affected area.
Father of Three Abducted Niger Pupils Dies of Heart Attack — CAN
The Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. John Hayab, disclosed that a man identified as Mr. Anthony died of shock after three of his children were abducted at St Mary’s Catholic School, Niger State.
Hayab, who spoke on Arise News, described the level of trauma families were enduring across affected states.
“These children have not slept, they have not bathed, and their parents cannot even explain where they are,” he said. “People want to see concrete action.”
CAN to FG: Protect Nigerians Without Excuses
The national leadership of CAN has urged the Federal Government to act decisively to curb the rising wave of bandit attacks.
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, speaking at the opening of the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria in Abuja, said Nigeria’s security crisis was “a threat to the nation’s soul.”
“The government has a constitutional and sacred responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians without excuses,” he said.
Wike Vows to Sanction Officials Behind Fake School Closure Notice
FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, condemned an unauthorised circular that ordered the closure of schools in Abuja over heightened insecurity, calling it “irresponsible” and capable of inciting national panic.
Wike said he suspended the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo, and vowed to punish any official involved in issuing the false directive.
“There is no threat that will make us shut down schools,” he said.
Rowdy Senate Session as Lawmakers Warn Nigeria Is ‘Under Attack’
At the Senate, tensions flared during debates on rising nationwide insecurity. Senators warned that Nigeria was “under attack” and at risk of losing public confidence.
The Senate earlier commended President Bola Tinubu and security agencies for rescuing abducted victims in Kwara and Niger States, but lawmakers insisted the security situation required a more comprehensive response.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin suggested seeking international support, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele said the crisis demanded a national reckoning.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe questioned reports that troops were withdrawn hours before the Kebbi school attack and said the government must accept responsibility for current lapses.
Senator Seriake Dickson warned that Nigeria was “losing prestige and integrity,” causing uproar among APC senators.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio cautioned against sectarian narratives, insisting: “This country is under attack.”
The Senate later adopted a resolution advocating the death penalty for kidnappers.
Reps Warn FG: Negotiating With Bandits Will Fuel More Violence
In the House of Representatives, a cross-regional group of lawmakers criticised the Federal Government for reportedly negotiating with kidnappers.
The lawmakers, under the banner House to the Rescue, said the approach was “a betrayal” and encouraged impunity.
“No functioning nation rewards criminality with dialogue,” the lawmakers said, warning that similar negotiations had worsened crises in Colombia, Mexico, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Mali.
Atiku: Terrorists Now Run an Alternative Government
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the Tinubu administration’s non-kinetic approach to dealing with kidnappers.
He described the government’s handling of recent rescues as “a shameful attempt to whitewash a national tragedy.”
Atiku said kidnappers “now negotiate openly and dictate terms,” arguing that if security forces could track the criminals in real time, they should have been arrested or neutralised.
Under Tinubu, Atiku claimed, “terrorists and bandits have become an alternative government.”
