By Obinna Uballa
Nigeria is facing a renewed wave of kidnappings and armed attacks, with incidents reported across Niger State, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Delta, and Kogi, highlighting the persistent insecurity threatening rural and urban communities alike.
Niger State: Pregnant Woman Among 24 Abducted
Exactly one week after at least 303 students were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA, bandits struck again in Palaita community, Erena Ward, Shiroro LGA, Niger State. A group of 24 people, including a pregnant woman, were kidnapped from a rice farm, while a blind man in nearby Kakuru community had his right hand severed during a robbery.
A source in the community said the attackers arrived at the farm around 2:00pm, opened fire, and forcibly whisked the victims away on motorcycles before security forces could respond. The state police, however, confirmed 10 people were abducted.
Abuja: Six Girls, One Boy Taken
In the FCT, gunmen invaded Gidan-Bijimi, Kawu Ward, on the fringes of Bwari Area Council, abducting six young girls and a 16-year-old boy. Residents reported that the assailants, armed with AK-47 rifles, raided two homes around 9:47pm, firing into the air before escaping. The FCT Police confirmed the incident and pledged continued operations to rescue the victims.
Kaduna: Cleric Killed in Captivity
The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, confirmed the death of Venerable Edwin Achi, Priest-in-Charge of Ebenezer Anglican Church, Ungwan Maijero, who had been kidnapped on October 28, alongside his wife and daughter. The priest’s passing has led to the cancellation of the highly anticipated ‘Stand Up for Jesus 2025’ event, while prayers continue for the safe release of his family members.
Delta: Palm-Wine Tapper Executed Over N10,000 Ransom
In Emuhu community, Ika South LGA, Delta State, two palm-wine tappers were abducted, and one was killed after his family could only offer N10,000 for his release. The surviving victim, rescued in Edo State’s Urhonigbe forest, recounted the brutal attack, which underscores the vulnerability of rural Nigerians to ransom-driven violence.
Kogi: Bus Attack and Abduction on Osokoko–Obajana Road
Bandits reportedly also targeted an 18-seater commercial bus along the Osokoko–Obajana axis in Kogi State, abducting passengers while another bus escaped. Nigerian Army personnel intervened, repelling the attackers and securing the highway.
Government Response
Defence Minister Mohammed Badaru Abubakar assured that the armed forces are “closing in on eliminating bandits,” despite guerrilla-style attacks persisting in forests and rural communities. Similarly, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun confirmed that 11,566 officers withdrawn from VIP duties have been redeployed to vulnerable communities.
Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan urged the government to adequately equip existing officers rather than recruiting additional personnel, stressing that well-resourced security personnel could effectively combat armed groups.
The series of abductions, which have affected over 400 people since mid-November, has drawn condemnation from religious leaders, civil society, and international observers.
Security agencies continue coordinated operations, but the growing boldness of armed groups underscores the urgent need for a decisive national strategy to curb Nigeria’s insecurity crisis.
