The recent killing of two worshippers in a Kwara church and the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State have sparked widespread condemnation across the country, with governors, senators, and key organisations demanding stronger and more decisive action from the government.
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq denounced the attack and urged the immediate deployment of more security personnel to Ekiti Local Government, especially the Eruku area.
According to his spokesperson, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor sympathised with affected families and thanked President Bola Tinubu for approving the deployment of 900 extra troops to boost security operations in the state.
AbdulRazaq added that the atmosphere had begun to improve in several previously troubled communities, expressing hope that the additional soldiers would bring lasting peace.
Meanwhile, the state government has introduced new security precautions across schools in Ifelodun, Ekiti, Irepodun, Isin, and Oke Ero LGAs.
Education Commissioner Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe said the steps were necessary to prevent kidnappers from using students as shields while fleeing from intensified military operations.
Former Senate President Bukola Saraki described the Kwara incident as “disturbing and unacceptable,” urging the Federal Government to secure the release of victims and develop a long-term security plan for the state, given its strategic location between northern and southern regions.
Similarly, Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West) applauded President Tinubu for cancelling planned trips abroad to prioritise national security.
He encouraged the governors of Kwara and Kogi to collaborate on securing border communities and renewed calls for full local government autonomy, arguing that empowered councils would better protect residents at the grassroots level.
Former presidential candidate Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim also sounded the alarm, warning that the government risks losing control if attacks continue across Kwara, Kebbi, Niger, Zamfara, Kaduna, Plateau, and Bauchi.
He condemned the killing of two police officers in Patigi, Kwara, questioning the country’s preparedness to counter terrorism.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) joined the chorus of criticism, describing the Kebbi schoolgirl abduction as a harsh reminder of Nigeria’s failure to prevent recurring tragedies.
NLC President Joe Ajaero said the country vowed never to relive the horrors of Chibok, yet similar situations persist.
He urged the government to overhaul its security plan and secure all school environments.
Senator Garba Maidoki of Kebbi South expressed optimism that the abducted girls would be rescued soon, saying security agents have identified their location and confirmed they remain within the senatorial district.
He assured affected families that the incident “will not become another Chibok.”
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI), led by the Sultan of Sokoto, criticised the Kebbi attack as “tragic and avoidable,” warning that repeated abductions were eroding confidence in girl-child education in the North.
JNI said recent incidents reflect clear gaps in security around schools and urged governments to fortify all female institutions immediately.
The group also urged the public to continue praying for the safe return of the schoolgirls while advising governors in the Northcentral region to remain vigilant to prevent the crisis from spreading.
CONUA (Congress of University Academics) similarly expressed concern over the abduction of the 25 students in Kebbi, stressing that urgent action is needed to prevent further incidents.
