Bandits unleashed a wave of coordinated attacks across four states at the weekend, abducting a pastor and worshippers in Kogi, killing a woman and kidnapping others in Kano, kidnapping a bride and wedding guests in Sokoto, and demanding N150m ransom for a kidnapped monarch in Kwara.
The attacks also come as two of six Defence Ministry directors abducted on November 10 remain in captivity, raising national anxiety over worsening insecurity.
Pastor, Wife, Worshippers Abducted in Kogi Church Raid
In the early hours of Sunday, armed bandits invaded a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area of Kogi State, abducting the pastor—popularly known as Orlando—his wife, and several worshippers.
The gunmen struck during service, firing sporadically and causing panic as worshippers ran in different directions. Residents described the attack as “terrifying,” saying the assailants stormed the community unexpectedly.
The exact number of victims remains unknown as police had yet to release official figures at press time.
Kogi Government Vows to Rescue Victims
Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, confirmed the attack and assured that a manhunt was underway.
He said:
“The authorities of Yagba West LGA are working hard with the security agencies to ensure those kidnapped are rescued alive. The governor… is coordinating activities and we will keep the press updated on the operations.”
Fanwo urged residents to report suspicious activity and advised worship centres in vulnerable locations to reconsider holding services until security improves.
Kano Attack: Bandits Kill Woman, Kidnap Three Others
In a separate attack, bandits invaded Yankamaye village in Tsanyanwa LGA of Kano State on Saturday night, killing an elderly woman and abducting three women.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin confirmed the attack in a Facebook post, condemning the repeated incursions.
According to him:
“This incident occurred a few days after a similar incident in Biresawa village… I call on our security agencies… to double their efforts to rescue these innocent persons and tackle the elements.”
The Kano Police Command had yet to issue an official statement as of press time.
Bride, Bridesmaids, Wedding Guests Abducted in Sokoto
Sokoto State also witnessed another tragedy as bandits stormed Chacho village in Wurno LGA on Saturday night, abducting a bride, her bridesmaids, and several guests preparing for a Sunday wedding.
Eyewitnesses said the gunmen invaded around midnight, shooting indiscriminately. Women, children, and the elderly fled into nearby bushes as the attackers operated unhindered.
Chacho is the hometown of the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Shehu Chacho.
The state APC chairman, Isah Achida, confirmed the incident, saying:
“Some residents of the village were abducted but I don’t have the exact number at present.”
Families are still waiting for contact from the kidnappers.
Kwara Monarch Abducted, Kidnappers Demand N150m
In Kwara State, the abductors of the Ojibara of Bayagan, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, demanded N150 million to release him. He was kidnapped on his farm Saturday morning.
The monarch was allowed to speak briefly with his community to confirm his safety. He lamented being taken deep into the forest for over five hours on a motorcycle.
Negotiations had not begun as of Sunday evening.
Two Defence Ministry Directors Still in Captivity 21 Days After Kidnap
Three weeks after six directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence were abducted 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 had been rescued and are undergoing medical evaluation.
The missing directors are Mrs Emeribe C.A and Mrs Onwuzurike J.A.
ASCSN urged government to decentralise examinations to reduce staff exposure to travel-related risks.
Soyinka Calls for Security Education in Schools
Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, speaking at Government College Ibadan, urged the federal government to introduce security education into school curricula.
He warned that insecurity had reached “a critical point,” stating:
“Security should be treated with such seriousness that it becomes a discipline taught in schools.”
He emphasised that children must learn to recognise threats and manage emergency situations.
Bakare to Tinubu: Take Bold Action or Risk Failure
Pastor Tunde Bakare criticised President Bola Tinubu for not taking decisive action on insecurity, urging him to stop “playing the ostrich.”
Delivering a national address titled “The Darkness Before Dawn,” Bakare said:
“The president has a choice… to reform the security and governance framework or, like his predecessors, prioritise politics with 2027 in view.”
He warned that Nigeria is “in the centre of an unfolding storm” as terrorists intensify attacks.
Security Expert Warns Against Delay in US–Nigeria Partnership
France-based forensic consultant Dr. Yusuf Aliu commended President Tinubu’s directive for a high-level engagement with the United States but warned against bureaucratic delays.
He said:
“Violence is outpacing our capacity. This is now a nationwide emergency.”
Aliu stressed that Nigeria urgently needs advanced surveillance tools, long-endurance drones, thermal imaging, and intelligence support to disrupt attacks before they occur.