By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Fear Grips Nigeria as Terrorists Target Large Gatherings in Wave of Attacks and Abductions
Fear is spreading across Nigeria as terrorists intensify attacks, targeting large gatherings and communities with deadly violence and mass abductions. In just the past week, scores of people have been killed, and nearly 200 individuals kidnapped across several states.
Reports indicate a series of brutal attacks between November 15 and 20 in Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, and other states have left communities devastated.
On November 15, gunmen attacked Fegin Baza village in Zamfara’s Tsafe Local Government Area, killing at least three people and abducting over 60 others.
Just a day later, bandits struck Tsohuwar Tasha village in Maru Local Government, kidnapping 14, including women and children.
The violence took a particularly alarming turn on November 17 when terrorists stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.
They opened fire and abducted 25 schoolgirls, killing the school’s vice principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, who tried to resist the attackers.
That same day, terrorists attacked Kushe Gugbu community in Kaduna’s Kagarko Local Government Area, kidnapping Catholic Priest Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal along with several others.
During the raid, Rev. Fr. Anthony Yero, brother to one of the kidnapped priests, was killed.
The wave of terror continued on November 18 in Eruku community, Kwara State. During a church service at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), attackers killed three worshippers and abducted about 30 others, including elderly people and children.
In Borno State, at least four vigilantes were killed, and four soldiers went missing after terrorists raided a military base in Mayenti, Bama Local Government Area.
The attack followed a chilling video released by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) showing the execution of Nigerian Army Brigadier-General Samaila Uba.
Further violence unfolded on Wednesday, November 20, when terrorists ambushed troops on a rescue mission for the Kebbi schoolgirls, injuring several soldiers. This attack came after the Chief of Army Staff ordered a full-scale offensive against the bandits responsible.
As insecurity deepens, many Nigerians are avoiding public gatherings. Pastor Taiwo Olalekan of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Abuja told DAILY POST that fear is forcing many congregants to consider worshiping online.
“We live by God’s mercy alone,” Pastor Olalekan said. “If the terrorists can kill trained soldiers, how can ordinary citizens feel safe? The attack on worshippers in Kwara has shaken everyone’s sense of security.
If the government doesn’t act quickly, we may all end up worshiping and working from home. But even home is no longer safe, as seen with the Kaduna priest kidnapped from his own residence.”
Government Response: President Tinubu Suspends Foreign Trips
In response to the escalating crisis, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu postponed his planned trips to the G20 Summit in South Africa and the AU-EU Summit in Angola.
A statement from his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, said the president is focusing on receiving detailed security briefings and strengthening the response to recent attacks.
The president has ordered increased deployment of security personnel to affected areas, including Eruku in Kwara State.
“He is closely monitoring reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi on his behalf, as well as updates from the police and the Department of State Services regarding the attacks,” the statement added.
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