Judul : Bandits Kidnap 30 in Kwara Church Raid
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Bandits Kidnap 30 in Kwara Church Raid
New information has come to light regarding how bandits kidnapped more than 30 individuals during the assault on the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Oke Isegun, Eruku, within the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State. This follows the release of the names of girls who were taken from the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Maga, Danko Wasagu Local Government Area, by the Kebbi State government on Monday, November 17, 2025.
The assault in Kwara, which took place approximately 6:00pm on Tuesday, resulted in the loss of three lives, according to Daily Trust.
The church's pastor, Lawrence Bamidele, told reporters that more than 30 people had been taken. He mentioned that the event was a celebration of gratitude for 18 individuals who were abducted roughly two weeks prior and subsequently released.
A video that became popular on social media showed worshippers assembled for a service being broadcast live when gunshots echoed through the air.
Some of the believers sought shelter behind the chairs in the church, but the attackers, who shot bullets from outside, eventually managed to get inside.
One of the assailants was observed holding the bags belonging to the worshippers. At least two of the shooters concealed their faces, while a third was seen using a flashlight.
Speaking to Daily Trust on Wednesday from Eruku, Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo stated that the death toll has increased to three. He mentioned that the police have not yet received the precise number of those abducted, but noted that families are being informed and local leaders are carrying out a head count.
He stated that the police had developed a process to create a precise list by directly communicating with families who had reported missing relatives.
He mentioned that the action was required because of contradictory data provided by residents.
Three individuals have been confirmed deceased. Two of the victims perished on the spot when the attackers opened fire inside the church during an evening event. A third victim, who was taken to the hospital, passed away on Wednesday afternoon," Ojo stated.
He explained that, contrary to previous rumors, no pastor had been killed. He mentioned that the church's resident pastor, Mr. Bamidele, was the one who spoke with the police officers at the location and helped transport one of the victims to the hospital.
The commissioner stated that no one had been arrested by Wednesday afternoon.
He mentioned that a joint group consisting of police agents, local volunteers, and intelligence personnel had already entered the nearby shrubs, monitoring the path taken by the attackers.
He verified that the security presence had been increased throughout Eruku and nearby areas because of multiple incidents in the region over the past few weeks.
However, Elder Sola Daniel, chairman of the Eruku Progressive Union, stated, "Twenty-seven individuals were seized by the raiders during the assault."
He mentioned that the "community has gathered the names of all those who were taken. The full list is not with me at the moment, but the union has recorded every missing individual."
Senior Daniel mentioned that the residents of Eruku experienced a sense of vulnerability because of the high number of assaults.
He mentioned that the community had decided to organize a nonviolent demonstration at the Government House in Ilorin on Thursday to address the governor directly.
He mentioned that the goal of the demonstration was to call for a more lasting security plan and a comprehensive inquiry into the recurring offenses in the region.
The head of Ekiti Local Government, Awelewa Olawale, who also verified the death of the third individual, stated that his group of volunteers reached Eruku right after the event to collaborate with the local community watch.
He mentioned that "the bandits killed two individuals inside the church and injured a third person who was taken to the hospital. The injured person eventually passed away at the hospital."
He mentioned that the vigilante groups from both the local authorities and the Eruku community ventured into the bush early in the morning to chase the assailants.
He stated that the operation was still in progress and the teams remained within the forest when he was speaking.
The chairman mentioned that the Police Commissioner, the head of the Department of State Services, and other high-ranking security officials had already arrived in Eruku to oversee the situation.
He mentioned that Eruku had faced continuous assaults due to its proximity to the state border.
He mentioned that the region had been affected by activities from nearby woodlands and that locals had been experiencing stress for several weeks prior to the most recent event.
At the same time, young people in Eruku on Wednesday blocked the Ilorin-Kabba highway to express their dissatisfaction with the attack on their community, blaming security forces for leaving residents vulnerable during the assault.
After the incident, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has called for an increased and immediate security presence in Ekiti Local Government Area, particularly along the Eruku corridor, to swiftly stop the latest surge in attacks in the region.
"The governor has requested the rapid deployment of additional security personnel to strengthen the current security framework in the region," stated the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Rafiu Ajakaye.
He asked that this new measure be implemented right away. The governor strongly denounces the outrageous attack, expresses sympathy and stands with the people of Eruku and surrounding areas, particularly the families and CAC members directly affected by the deplorable attack on Tuesday.
"The state government will keep backing the security forces in addressing these issues and safeguarding the lives and assets throughout the state," he stated.
The leader, in the same way, praised President Bola Tinubu for sending 900 more soldiers to Kwara, stating that this is anticipated to enhance safety in the region.
"Indeed, we have observed notable tranquility in many regions that were once impacted. We sincerely appreciate the President for this. We are confident that the extra troops will offer additional deterrence, general safety for our citizens, and lasting peace," the statement added.
The former Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, has also spoken out against the assault, calling it a shocking and very upsetting event.
Saraki, in a message released on Wednesday through his social media account, expressed that he learned about the attack with significant worry.
"I feel compassion for all the victims and their families. I pray to Allah for recovery, restoration, and strength during this challenging period," he stated.
Saraki called on the federal government and leaders of security organizations to quickly facilitate the release of the kidnapped individuals and enhance safety throughout the state.
He also highlighted the importance of a strong, enduring security plan for the state, considering its key national location.
"The state serves as one of the entry points into the nation and acts as a connection between the southern and northern regions. This highlights its need for a unique security setup that won't compromise our national interest or internal stability," Saraki added.
The ruler of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, conveyed his worries about the event through a message released on Wednesday by his media representative, Dr. Abdulazeez Arowona, emphasizing that, 'It is deeply regrettable, unacceptable, and alarming.'
He mentioned that he was distressed by the occurrence of the incident at a time when authorities at every level were working together to eliminate banditry, terrorism, and other criminal activities.
The ruler urged security services to increase their efforts by deploying troops to ensure the safe return of all abducted individuals, while he grieved for those who lost their lives in the assault.
A former Assistant Commissioner of Police, Adisa Bolanta, called on the government to enhance security measures, highlighting that current police stations and military posts are inadequate and overburdened.
He requested additional staff, supplies, and efficient oversight since thieves frequently blend in with residents and occasionally outsiders are observed but not reported.
"The community requires an enhanced vigilante system that is aligned with the police and includes the participation of traditional institutions and local structures like village leaders, mogaji, and alangua, which is also crucial," he stated.
Kebbi government publishes list of kidnapped female students
In a separate update, the Kebbi State government has disclosed the names of schoolgirls who were taken on Monday from the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Maga, located within the Danko Wasagu Local Government Area. On Wednesday, the head of the local government area, Hussain Aliyu, refuted an assertion made by American legislator Riley Moore that the abducted children are Christians.
During the announcement of the names, he stated that no section of the local government area is associated with religious conflict and that the residents have consistently maintained peace and unity until the recent event.
To be fair, these are the names of the girls who were abducted by the bandits from the Government Comprehensive Girls Secondary School in Maga.
Students in Senior Secondary School 2A include:
Fatima Sani Zimri
Hafsat Ibrahim
Nana Firdausi Jibril
Masauda Yakubu
Senior Secondary School 2B
Hauwa Saleh
Hauwau Umar Imam
Upper Secondary School 3A and 3B
Salima Garba Umar
Salima Sani Zimri
Amina G. Umar
Rashida Muhammad Dingu
Saliha Umar
Aisha Usman
Jamila Iliyasu
Maryam Illiyasu
Najaatu Abdullahi
Zainab Kolo
Junior Secondary School 3A
Surraya Tukur
Hafsat Umar Yalmo
Maryam Usman
Amina Illiyasu
Ikilima Suleman
Junior Secondary School 2
Khadija Nazifi
Hauwa'u Iliyasu
Hauwa'u Lawali
Ummu Kulsum Abdulkarim
In the meantime, Vice President Kashim Shettima arrived in Kebbi State on Wednesday concerning the abduction. He delivered a statement from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, promising the parents, government, and residents of the state his dedication to retrieving the students.
He stated that the state government would not be abandoned during this time of crisis.
I am here representing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu regarding the current crisis affecting the nation. When a single child is taken, every household in this country mourns. When girls are kidnapped from their classrooms and captured by criminals, our shared sense of morality is violated. The President is profoundly distressed by this tragedy. Our main focus is clear; our daughters must come home safely.
"On behalf of the president, I promise you that the government will not stop. We will employ every tool available to recover these girls and to make sure those responsible for this evil are held accountable," he stated.
In his reply, Governor Nasir Idris mentioned that the state administration is making every effort to assist the security personnel in their efforts to locate the missing schoolgirls. He further stated that the government has also instructed religious leaders to conduct prayers for the safe return of the kidnapped girls.
Additionally, the League of Senior Imams in Kebbi State has instructed all senior imams of Juma'at mosques to conduct daily prayers seeking divine assistance from God regarding this issue.
The head of the League, Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Tanko, who also serves as the Chief Imam at Zuru Juma'at Central Mosque, stated that the special prayer has become essential due to the uncertain situations the girls might have faced at the hands of the bandits. In his letter to the chief imams, he asked them to conduct the special prayer alongside regular prayers, hoping that Allah (SWT) will miraculously assist in the success of the joint team of security personnel sent to retrieve the girls.
37 individuals are killed and 133 others are kidnapped by bandits in three northern states.
At least 37 individuals have been killed and 133 others taken hostage by bandits over the past 19 days in three northern states—Niger, Sokoto, and Zamfara.
According to Daily Trust's research, which relied on reports from leading national newspapers, 19 individuals lost their lives in Niger State, with eight more sustaining injuries in different assaults carried out by criminals against local communities.
On November 13, 13 members of a vigilante group were killed after 20 worshippers were taken from a mosque in Magama Village. Additionally, on November 9, three vigilante members died and 22 others were kidnapped during an attack on Dutsen Magaji Village within the Mashegu Local Government Area of Niger State.
Six soldiers were also killed in the convoy of a member of the House of Representatives, Mohammed Ali Damisa, on November 4, when it was attacked by bandits.
Assaults in Sokoto and Zamfara
In Sokoto State, 12 individuals were killed by bandits. This includes the death of five people in Bargaja Village, Isa LGA, on November 9, when nine women were also taken captive. Four people sustained injuries during the incident.
On November 10, individuals affiliated with the Lakurawa militant group murdered a pregnant woman and four other people in Alkalije Village, located within the Kigori District of Silame Local Government Area. Likewise, on November 18, raiders targeted the Kabunga settlement in Kware Local Government Area, resulting in the death of a former council member, Alhaji Yahaya Bawa Rumus, and another local resident.
On November 15, in Zamfara State, bandits killed Umaru Moriki, a leader from the All Progressives Congress (APC), and two others, while wounding four individuals during an assault on the Gusau-Tsafe Road.
On the same day, 64 individuals were taken by bandits in Fegin Baza Village, while a woman and her son were also seized in the Bulunku Area of Gusau, within Gusau LGA. On November 6, 16 more people were abducted in Sabo Village, located in Murai Ward of Talata Marafa LGA.
Tinubu delays journey to South Africa, Angola summits due to security concerns
President Tinubu canceled his planned journey to Johannesburg, South Africa, and Luanda, Angola, due to the current security concerns within the nation.
This information was revealed by Bayo Onanuga, the President's Special Adviser for Information and Strategy, on Wednesday.
President Tinubu was set to depart Abuja yesterday in order to participate in the 20th G20 Leaders' Summit taking place in South Africa, and then travel to Luanda to join the 7th AU-EU Summit.
The statement mentioned that the president will wait for updates from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi on his behalf, along with information from the police and the Department of State Services about the incident in Kwara.
Additionally, the federal government yesterday dismissed efforts by certain groups to view Nigeria's security issues from a religious perspective, cautioning that such "divisive and limited speech" endangers national unity.
The Information and National Orientation Minister, Mohammed Idris, stated during a press briefing that the federal government is determined to confront terrorism in the nation directly.
Idris stated that terrorism, piracy, and other violent offenses impacting the country transcend ethnic and religious boundaries; thus, they should not be falsely portrayed as sectarian.
Idris stated that these assertions were not only incorrect in terms of facts but also potentially harmful to the national unity needed to address common challenges.
"The stance of the Nigerian federal government is clear: Nigeria is a multi-religious country where the right to worship is constitutionally protected and must be respected by all," he stated.
The minister added that during this crucial period, it was essential for all Nigerians to stand together.
Nigeria has not gained any lessons.
-Security expert
A security specialist, Dr. Stephen Okwori, has criticized Nigeria's ongoing inability to draw lessons from over a decade of school kidnappings, stating that the nation keeps using reactive strategies rather than establishing an effective preventive security framework for educational institutions.
He made this statement in response to the latest abductions of students in Kebbi and the assault in Kwara State, highlighting that 'since 2014, more than 1,680 children have been taken from schools in Borno, Yobe, Niger, Katsina, Zamfara, and other regions.'
He stated that the ongoing frequency of attacks indicates minimal progress since the 2014 kidnapping of the Chibok schoolgirls. 'It's regrettable that in Nigeria, we fail to take lessons. We've had an 11-year record of school abductions, but the situation remains unchanged,' he mentioned.
Dr. Okwori criticized Nigeria's method, calling it "top-down and reactive," and noted that security agencies typically act only following an attack. "It is only after the incident that the police and the military arrive at the scene. We need to focus on prevention rather than waiting for a crime to occur before taking action," he stated.
He also criticized the police action in the Kebbi case and voiced worry that the military is taking on responsibilities that should be handled by the police.
"The police have grown complacent as the military has assumed their responsibilities. I haven't witnessed the IGP visiting Kebbi, but the Chief of Army Staff has been there," he added.
The specialist emphasized that the majority of school abductions occur in rural areas where there is minimal security, allowing kidnappers to use large forests as hiding places. In addition to the abduction itself, he mentioned that the main tragedy is the long-term psychological damage caused to the children. 'Even after they are released, the trauma remains with them for life,' he cautioned.
Dr. Okwori called on the government to completely carry out the Forest Guard program, calling it the most practical local approach if done correctly.
He suggested that the guards should be selected from their local areas, given complete training, and provided with advanced weaponry, not "batons or sticks," as they are supposed to serve as initial responders. "These criminals are heavily armed. You don't face them with a bow and arrow. Forest guards need to be properly equipped and have better knowledge of the terrain than the attackers," he stated.
He also highlighted the importance of enhanced cooperation between security agencies, traditional leaders, religious figures, and local populations, stating that insecurity should be tackled "from the ground up."
Regarding technology, he referenced the U.S. Navy SEALs' mission that rescued an American citizen taken in Nigeria without firing a single shot. "Technology is essential. With the proper equipment, suspects can be monitored, identified, and subdued before any damage occurs," he stated.
Dr. Okwori also highlighted the significance of responding to intelligence, pointing out that previous alerts were allegedly disregarded before the recent Kebbi school kidnapping. "If intelligence is not acted upon, that constitutes an intelligence failure," he stated.
Bukarti discusses the path ahead
Security expert Bulama Bukarti has called on President Bola Tinubu to implement urgent and significant steps to bring stability to the nation, cautioning that Nigeria will continue to be insecure unless decisive measures are enacted.
Bukarti issued the warning on Wednesday during an interview with Channels Television, responding to the recent attacks in Kwara, Kaduna, and Borno states. He noted that the events, which included the killing of worshippers, the kidnapping of 23 students, and the death of a Brigadier General along with soldiers and civilian JTF personnel, highlight the 'hydra-headed' aspect of insecurity in Nigeria.
He pointed out that the three attacks, which occurred over vast distances within a few days, indicate that no region of the country is secure. He further mentioned that the abductions have developed into a troubling trend, noting that Nigeria has experienced 12 large-scale school kidnappings affecting more than 1,600 students since 2014.
"There has never been a instance in history where terrorists enter a school and depart with all the students, yet this is occurring repeatedly in Nigeria," he stated.
Bukarti stated that the issue is not a lack of intelligence, but rather the inability of security agencies to act promptly. He mentioned that inadequate mobility, insufficient staff, and delayed reinforcements leave communities at risk.
He also criticized foreign commentators like Donald Trump and Nicki Minaj, claiming their statements were deceptive and inconsiderate. "We are losing our lives while they exploit the situation for political speech and entertainment," he stated.
Bukarti pointed out that both Christians and Muslims fell victim to the recent incidents, emphasizing that the country's adversaries were not focusing on any specific religion but rather on Nigeria as a whole. He further stated that unity was essential in facing the threat.
In moving ahead, Bukarti detailed five critical actions the president needs to implement to reinstate safety.
He suggested assigning all service chiefs to operational zones on a permanent basis until conditions improve. He further stated that the president should create a weekly presidential committee focused on insecurity, align governors and security officials under a single national strategy, declare a state of emergency along vulnerable borders, and direct all commissioned officers to leave their barracks and participate in field operations.
He added, 'These steps are essential if we are to take control of this scenario.'
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).Demikianlah Artikel Bandits Kidnap 30 in Kwara Church Raid
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