Fear has swept across Nigeria following a disturbing spike in terrorist attacks, mass abductions, and gruesome killings recorded in multiple states over the past seven days.
In what has become one of the bloodiest weeks of the year, communities in Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kaduna, Kwara and Borno States have been thrown into mourning as armed groups unleashed coordinated violence, leaving scores dead and nearly 200 citizens kidnapped.
Zamfara Under Siege
The renewed onslaught began on Saturday, November 15, when armed men stormed Fegin Baza village in Tsafe Local Government Area, killing at least three residents and abducting over 64 people.
Barely a day later, on Sunday, November 16, another group of assailants raided Tsohuwar Tasha in Maru LGA, whisking away 14 persons — including 11 women and three children.
Kebbi Schoolgirls Abducted
The nation was jolted on Monday, November 17, by the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State.
The attackers, who invaded the school shooting sporadically, killed the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, before carting the students into the forest.
Clerics, Worshippers Targeted
The same day in Kaduna State, terrorists invaded Kushe Gugbu in Kagarko LGA, abducting several residents including Catholic priest Rev. Fr. Bobbo Paschal.
Another priest, Rev. Fr. Anthony Yero’s brother, was killed during the assault.
On Tuesday, the violence shifted to Kwara State, where worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku in Ekiti LGA, were attacked during a service. Three people were killed and at least 30 others, including elderly persons and children, were abducted.
Security Forces Also Hit
In Borno State, four vigilantes were killed and four soldiers declared missing after terrorists launched an attack on a military base in Mayenti, Bama LGA, on Tuesday.
This came just a day after ISWAP released a chilling video showing the execution of Brigadier-General Samaila Uba.
On Wednesday, troops heading to rescue the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls were ambushed, leaving several soldiers injured.
Fear Spreads Nationwide
The spike in attacks has triggered widespread fear, with many Nigerians avoiding large gatherings and public events.
A pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Taiwo Olalekan, told DAILY POST in Abuja that attendance at his church has drastically reduced due to safety concerns.
According to him, many worshippers are considering shifting fully to online services.
“We are living by God’s mercy. If trained soldiers are being killed like chickens, what chance does the ordinary Nigerian have?” he lamented, warning that insecurity could soon force people back into the stay-at-home lifestyle witnessed during COVID-19.
Tinubu Halts Foreign Trips Over Crisis
Amid the nationwide tension, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday postponed his scheduled trips to Johannesburg for the G20 Summit and to Angola for the AU-EU Summit.
A statement by his spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, said the President halted his travel plans to receive detailed security briefings.
Tinubu has ordered increased deployment of security operatives to Eruku and other affected communities in Kwara, while awaiting reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima—who visited Kebbi on his behalf—along with updates from the police and the DSS.
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