Nigeria witnessed a renewed wave of violent attacks over the weekend as bandits struck communities across Kogi, Kano, Sokoto, and Kwara States, leaving deaths, multiple abductions, and widespread fear in their wake.
KOGI: Pastor, Wife, Worshippers Abducted During Church Service
Bandits invaded a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West LGA of Kogi State during Sunday service, kidnapping the pastor—popularly known as Orlando—his wife, and several worshippers.
The attackers shot sporadically, causing chaos as congregants ran for safety. The exact number of abducted persons remains unconfirmed as police have yet to release details.
The Kogi State Government confirmed the attack, saying surveillance has been intensified.
Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, urged residents to remain vigilant and avoid worshipping in isolated locations.
KANO: Woman Killed, Three Women Abducted
In another incident, bandits struck Yankamaye village in Tsanyawa LGA, killing an elderly woman and abducting three other women.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin condemned the attack, calling on security agencies to “take the fight to the criminals.”
The attack occurred just days after a similar incident in the same region.
SOKOTO: Bride, Bridesmaids, Wedding Guests Kidnapped
In Chacho village, Wurno LGA of Sokoto State, bandits abducted a bride preparing for her wedding scheduled for the next morning, along with her bridesmaids and several guests.
Eyewitnesses said the attack happened at midnight as residents were retiring to bed. Gunmen fired sporadically before whisking away multiple women.
The incident occurred hours after ₦4 million and a motorcycle were reportedly paid to secure the release of earlier victims in neighbouring Rabah LGA.
The Sokoto State police spokesperson could not be reached for confirmation, though local leaders verified the attack.
KWARA: Bandits Demand ₦150m to Free Monarch
In Kwara State, bandits who kidnapped the Ojibara of Bayagan, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, from his farm on Saturday morning have demanded ₦150 million ransom.
The abductors allowed the monarch to speak with community members to confirm he was alive. He disclosed that he had been transported deep into the forest for over five hours and that several others were also kidnapped from nearby communities.
Negotiations had not commenced at the time of reporting.
DEFENCE MINISTRY KIDNAPPING: Two Officials Still Missing
Twenty-one days after six Federal Ministry of Defence directors were kidnapped on the Kabba–Lokoja highway while travelling for promotion exams, two remain in captivity.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) confirmed that four have been rescued and are undergoing medical evaluation, but Mrs. Emeribe C.A and Mrs. Onwuzurike J.A are still missing.
The union renewed its call for decentralised examinations to avoid the risks of long-distance travel.
SOYINKA: Nigeria Needs Security Education in Schools
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka warned that Nigeria’s insecurity has reached critical levels and urged the government to incorporate security education into school curricula.
He argued that security awareness should become a discipline taught in schools to equip children with skills to identify threats and respond effectively.
Soyinka lamented the psychological toll insecurity places on learners, saying it stifles creativity and undermines national development.
TINUBU MUST TACKLE ROOT CAUSES — TUNDE BAKARE
Pastor Tunde Bakare challenged President Bola Tinubu to embark on deep reforms rather than political calculations ahead of 2027.
In his address titled “The Darkness Before Dawn,” Bakare accused the government of “playing the ostrich” and failing to confront terrorism decisively.
He called for restructuring, decisive military action against marauders, and a holistic review of Nigeria’s security architecture.
EXPERT WARNS DELAY IN US SECURITY COOPERATION COULD BE FATAL
Dr. Yusuf Aliu, a France-based forensic security expert, urged the government to expedite its newly announced engagement with the United States on advanced security cooperation.
He warned that violence is outpacing the country’s response capacity and recommended:
- Long-endurance drones
- Thermal imaging
- Real-time terrain monitoring
- Intelligence fusion training
- Cyber-tracking tools
He said Nigeria risks further economic collapse and regional instability if action is delayed.
