The recent killings of two worshippers in a Kwara church and the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State have sparked nationwide concern, prompting political leaders, civil society groups, and unions to demand urgent and tougher measures against banditry and terrorism.
Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq condemned the church attack and called for the immediate deployment of additional security personnel to the Eruku axis of Ekiti Local Government. His Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, said the governor “wholly condemns the unconscionable attack” and sympathizes with the victims.
AbdulRazaq praised President Bola Tinubu for deploying 900 additional troops to Kwara State, expressing confidence that the reinforcements would enhance security and prevent further attacks. The state government has also implemented proactive school security measures in Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin, and Oke Ero Local Government Areas to safeguard schoolchildren from kidnappers.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki described the church attack as “shocking and deeply distressing,” urging the Federal Government and security agencies to secure the release of victims and establish long-term security frameworks in Kwara. He emphasized the state’s strategic importance as a gateway between northern and southern Nigeria.
Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) praised President Tinubu for postponing foreign trips to focus on security briefings and reinforcement deployments. He called on Governors AbdulRazaq and Usman Ododo (Kogi State) to strengthen border security and advocated full autonomy for local governments, arguing that councils with control over funds could better protect their communities.
Former presidential candidate Dr. Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim warned of worsening insecurity across Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau, and Bauchi states, citing the killing of officers in Patigi, Kwara, and the ongoing abduction in Kebbi. He called for a radical overhaul of Nigeria’s security architecture.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) condemned the schoolgirl abductions, stating that the nation is “running out of time” in the fight against banditry. NLC President Joe Ajaero lamented that recurring kidnappings reflect failures to prevent tragedies similar to Chibok, urging decisive government action.
Senator Garba Maidoki (Kebbi South) expressed optimism about the girls’ safe return, noting improved local security following recent dislodgement of bandits. He assured families that the abducted students would not be forgotten and promised collaboration with security agencies.
The Sultan of Sokoto–led Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) condemned the abduction as “heartless, tragic and utterly avoidable,” highlighting recurring security lapses in schools across northern Nigeria. JNI called for enhanced protection for girls’ schools and community vigilance, warning that continued attacks could severely affect girl-child education in the North.
The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) also expressed concern over the abduction, emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect students and restore public confidence in the safety of educational institutions.
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