FG Blames US Comments for Renewed Attacks as Outrage Grows Over Kebbi, Kwara Killings
The Federal Government on Wednesday attributed the recent spike in terrorist attacks including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the deadly assault on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State to recent statements by the United States.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said comments by U.S. President Donald Trump alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and hinting at possible American military intervention had been exploited by violent groups seeking attention.
Akume explained that insurgent networks had been significantly weakened before the remarks but were now attempting to leverage them to justify renewed attacks.
He emphasised that Nigeria does not require foreign troops, only targeted support in intelligence, technology, and equipment.
He also rejected claims of a faith-targeted genocide, stressing that both churches and mosques have been attacked and that Nigeria remains a secular nation with appointments reflecting its religious diversity.
In the early hours of Monday, bandits invaded Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi’s Danko/Wasagu LGA, killing Vice Principal Hassan Makuku and abducting 26 students. Two girls later escaped, leaving 24 still in captivity.
A day later in Kwara, gunmen stormed Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku during a live-streamed service, killing at least two people and kidnapping roughly 35 worshippers. Residents accused the police of failing to intervene despite being stationed nearby, prompting angry youths to block the Ilorin–Kabba expressway in protest.
President Bola Tinubu cancelled planned trips to the G20 Summit in South Africa and the AU–EU Summit in Angola. He remained in the country to receive field reports and ordered additional security deployments to Eruku and surrounding areas. He also directed agencies to prioritise the rescue of the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls.
Kwara Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq visited the affected community and announced plans for a military Forward Operating Base and a Mobile Police Squadron. The Jama’atu Nasril Islam condemned the Kebbi abduction, warning that repeated school kidnappings were undermining girl-child education in the North.
Political figures including Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi slammed the Federal Government for its handling of security.
Activists such as Omoyele Sowore, Falz, Inibehe Effiong, and Deji Adeyanju demanded Tinubu’s resignation, citing the rising death toll and widespread kidnappings.
Celebrities including Debo Macaroni, Femi Adebayo, and Simi also expressed outrage, urging immediate and decisive action to stop the violence.