Nigeria is grappling with a fresh wave of kidnappings and violent attacks, with incidents reported in Niger State, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Delta, and Kogi, exposing gaps in security and fuelling fear among communities.
Niger State: Farmers Abducted, Blind Man Mutilated
In Palaita community, Erena Ward, Shiroro LGA, bandits kidnapped 24 people, including a pregnant woman, from a rice farm, just a week after over 300 students were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA. Residents reported the attackers arrived at around 2:00pm, fired sporadically, and forcibly took the victims away on motorcycles before security personnel could respond.
In a related attack in Kakuru community, armed men seized a blind man’s mobile phone and chopped off his right hand for refusing to cooperate. Niger State Police confirmed 10 abductions, while efforts are ongoing to rescue the victims.
FCT: Six Girls and a Boy Kidnapped
In Abuja, gunmen struck Gidan-Bijimi, Kawu Ward, Bwari Area Council, abducting six girls and a 16-year-old boy during a night raid. Residents said the attackers fired into the air to intimidate locals before escaping. The FCT Police confirmed the incident and reinforced security operations across vulnerable communities.
Kaduna: Priest Killed in Captivity
The Diocese of Kaduna announced the death of Venerable Edwin Achi, Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero, who was kidnapped with his wife and daughter on October 28. The announcement led to the cancellation of the ‘Stand Up for Jesus 2025’ event. The family of the priest continues to seek the safe release of the remaining captives.
Delta: Palm-Wine Tapper Executed Over N10,000 Ransom
In Emuhu community, Ika South LGA, two palm-wine tappers were abducted, and one was killed after his family could only pay N10,000 as ransom. The surviving victim, rescued in Edo State, recounted the harrowing ordeal, highlighting the brutality faced by rural communities.
Kogi: Bus Attack on Osokoko–Obajana Road
Bandits attacked an 18-seater commercial bus along the Osokoko–Obajana axis, abducting passengers while another bus managed to escape. Nigerian Army personnel intervened, securing the area and repelling the attackers.
Government Response
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar assured that the military is closing in on bandit groups, describing the attacks as guerrilla-style strikes. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, redeployed 11,566 officers from VIP duties to underserved communities to bolster security.
Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan called for better equipment for officers on the ground, stressing that arming and supporting existing personnel is more urgent than recruiting new forces.
With over 400 people abducted in north-central Nigeria alone since mid-November, authorities are under pressure to act swiftly. Communities continue to live in fear, highlighting the urgent need for a decisive strategy to curb the rising wave of kidnappings across the country.
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