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  • Fresh posers as 315 confirmed abducted from Niger school

    Fresh posers as 315 confirmed abducted from Niger school

    • How bandits ferried students away in vehicles, motorcycles
    • Police thwart fresh abduction in Zamfara, rescue 25
    • Niger State closes all schools till new year
    • Kebbi varsity shuts down; Borno declares day of special prayer

    THE POSERS

    • How were 315 staff, students moved from the school by bandits?
    • How did gunmen operate for hours without security intervention?
    • What is driving the sudden resurgence of mass abductions?
    • Allegations of internal sabotage are on the increase

    As the search and rescue operations for the abducted students and teachers in Niger State intensified yesterday, concerned Nigerians have continued to ask questions over the perceived ease with which the victims were seized and taken away by the terrorists.

    Parents, relations and the nation are anxiously awaiting information on them and those abducted in Kebbi State on Monday.

    Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle, who has relocated to Birnin Kebbi to coordinate the rescue operation there, said intelligence showed that security agents were getting close to the students.

    The Catholic Church, in an update yesterday on the Friday attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri in Agwarra Local Government Area of Niger State, put the number of the abductees at 315.

    The Bishop of the Catholic Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, said 303 of the victims are students while the remaining 12 are teachers.

    Niger State Governor Umar Bago convened a high level security meeting in Minna yesterday to assess the situation.

    He said government was still compiling the list of the abducted persons.

    One of the recommendations of the meeting was an order for the immediate closure of all schools in the state.

    Also yesterday, the Adamawa and Taraba state governments suspended boarding in all public and private schools in response to the current wave of attacks on schools by terrorists.

    The management of Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, in Kebbi State, similarly ordered the immediate closure of the institution.

    All staff and students were asked to vacate the campus without delay.

    Tomorrow has been declared a day of fasting and prayer in Borno State on account of the resurgence of terrorism in the state.

    Security experts say the current security situation in parts of the country may have been provoked largely by the recent threat by US President Donald Trump to bomb Nigeria over alleged genocide on Christians.

    The experts are of the opinion that the terrorists possibly see their victims as potential human shield if and when Washington comes striking.

    Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese Bulus Dauwa Yohanna said the number of abductees stemmed from a final verification and census conducted by the school’s authorities.

     Yohanna doubles as the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

     “After we left the school at Papiri, we decided to make calls, do verification exercise and do further enquiries on those we had thought escaped successfully, only to discover that 88 more students were also captured after they tried to escape,” he said.

    He added:”Our attention was drawn to when some parents whose children we had thought escaped from the attack also came asking of their children. We became curious and that was when we did census and discovered that they were abducted.

    “This now makes it 303 students (male and female) including 12 teachers (4 females and 8 males) bringing the total to number of abducted persons to 315.”

    He said statements by the state government and the police that schools had earlier been directed to close their boarding facilities smacked of propaganda.

    He said neither the schools nor the Catholic Diocese received any such circular from government.

    His words:”That is not true; we did not receive any circular. It must be an afterthought and a way to shift blame.

    “In the past, around 2022 when we heard of rumour of security challenge, we did not hesitate, we shut down immediately. Is it when there is a circular from the government asking us to shut down that we will now not obey?

    “The school is owned by the Catholic Diocese and not by any individual. None of the Reverend Sisters travelled to Abuja as they alleged. Whoever made that misleading statement should know that it is a false allegation and should withdraw such or provide proof and evidence.

    “We have asked the Education Secretary if he received a circular, he said no; or if he was asked to send any to us, he said no. We asked if he was verbally informed, he also said no. Let them tell the world who they gave the circular to, or through what channel they sent it.”

    How bandits ferried students away in vehicles, motorcycles

    The Principal of the school, Reverend Sister Felicia Gyang, said the terrorists stormed the institution in a convoy of motorcycles and vehicles, after breaking through the gate of the primary section and demobilising the security man on duty by shooting him.

     Their first port of call, according to Gyang, was the dormitory for the primary school pupils.

    They brought the children out, laid them on the bare ground and then marched them into their get-away vehicles.

    The brands of the vehicles could not be immediately verified.

    While the terrorists were at it, the principal rallied the teachers to alert the other students to the danger while also trying to contact security agencies, which ended in vain.

    They succeeded only in contacting a priest in a nearby urban centre who promised to get the information across to the security agencies.

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    Many of the students were able to run into a nearby bush to hide, but some were not that lucky. The terrorists seized them and some members of staff.

    The principal said that a few hours after the attack, a helicopter was sighted hovering over the school premises.

    The shot security man was subsequently taken to the hospital for treatment.

    An eyewitness whose husband was among those taken away said the gunmen were heard inquiring from the pupils about their parents and other hostels.

    She said the terrorists proceeded to the staff quarters and ordered the occupants out.

    They also went to the school clinic and asked for a white priest but did not find him.

    They took an image of Holy Mary from the office of the principal and burned it.

    It was gathered that on their way out they drove three of their vehicles into a nearby fuel station to fill the tanks.

    The petrol station manager was forced at gunpoint to switch on the generator to attend to them.

    Niger orders closure of schools

    Emerging from yesterday’s expanded security meeting in Minna, Gov. Bago said the immediate closure of all schools in the state would serve as an early Christmas break given the prevailing security concerns.

    It will remain in force until further notice.

    He described the attack on the school as unfortunate and avoidable.

    “This incident could have been avoided; however, it is not a time for blame game,” he said.

    “Our mission today is to see how we can rescue these children and all those kidnapped alongside,” he added.

    The governor asked security agencies, civil society organisations, organised labour and clerics to unite and focus on the rescue efforts.

    He stressed the government’s commitment to protecting lives and property.

    Adamawa, Taraba, Yobe  govts suspend boarding operations

    The Adamawa, Taraba and Yobe states government yesterday took after  Katsina and Plateau states in ordering the shutdown of boarding activities in public and private schools following the recent wave of students abduction.

    Taraba State Education Commissioner Augustina Godwin said in a statement in Jalingo that all schools should operate as days schools for the moment in view of the “unhealthy situation in the country.”

    In a similar statement in Yola, Adamawa State, Education and Human Development Commissioner, Umar Pella, said the move was imperative as “the target of the evil perpetrators is boarding secondary schools.”

    Mamman Mohammed, the Director-General, Press and Media Affairs to Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni, said the decision was reached at a security meeting held by the governor with security chiefs in the state.

    Mohammed said the directive became imperative after a review of recent breach of security at some schools in some states of the federation.

    The aide said Buni had called on the citizenry to pray for leaders, security operatives, peace and improved security in the state and the country at large.

    Muhammed quoted Dr Bukar Aji-Bukar, Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, as saying that the closure was temporary, pending improvement in the situation.

    The Federal Ministry of Education in a circular on Friday announced the closure of 41 Federal Unity Colleges across the country.

    Kebbi varsity too

    The Office of the Registrar and Secretary to Council of Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology, Aliero, Kebbi State, asked all categories of students, including postgraduate, undergraduate, diploma, remedial and IJMB students to vacate the campus with immediate effect.

    All students were given one hour to comply.

    Registrar Maimaro Tilli said the institution’s Security Division had been mandated to evacuate any student found within the hostels or other restricted areas on campus.

    Students residing off campus, particularly in areas such as Gidan Rami, were also advised to vacate their residences to avoid what the memo described as “embarrassment” by university security personnel.

    UN condemns Niger school abduction, says schools must be safe

    The United Nations yesterday condemned the Niger State abduction.

    The UN Spokesperson, Mr Stéphane Dujarric, said “schools must be a safe place to learn”.

    The UN Spokesperson described the abduction of the students closely following those of Kebbi as a “heartbreaking situation”.

    “We have witnessed yet another abduction of pupils in Niger State, in that country (Nigeria), just days after the abduction of schoolchildren in Kebbi,” Dujarric said.

     “We join our colleagues at UNICEF and the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator’s office, Mohamed Malick Fall, in expressing our deep sympathy to the families and communities affected.

    “Every effort must now focus on ensuring the children’s safe and immediate return.”

    He underscored that these repeated attacks highlight the urgent need to fully implement the Safe Schools Declaration.

    The Safe Schools Declaration outlines concrete steps to safeguard the civilian nature of schools and universities to ensure safe access of students to education during conflict.

    Police foil fresh bandits attack in Zamfara, rescue 25 abducted victims

    The Zamfara State Police Command yesterday said its men has thwarted an abduction attempt in the state and rescued a total of 25 victims from armed bandits.

    It said a group of bandits, wielding dangerous weapons and firing sporadically attacked Kuraje village in the Damba area of Gusau Local Government Area

    According to the spokesman for the command, Yazid Abubakar, the police on receipt of a distress call at about 21.45pm on Friday mobilised joint police patrol teams from Damba Division and the Department of Operations, Gusau—working in collaboration with the Community Protection Guards (CPG) to the village to confront the gunmen.

    He said the gunmen had by then abducted 10 women and 15 children, all residents of the community.

    The security team, he said, pursued the fleeing bandits and engaged them in a coordinated and strategic operation.

    “Thanks to the professionalism, gallantry and swift response of the operatives, all twenty-five (25) abducted victims were successfully rescued unhurt. They were immediately relocated to Sabongari Damba for safety and proper profiling,” Abubakar said

    The rescued women and children have since been reunited with their families.

    The Commissioner of Police, Zamfara State Command, CP Ibrahim Balarabe Maikaba, commended the bravery and dedication of the officers involved in the operation.

    He reassured the public of the Command’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property across the state.

    Borno declares Monday day of prayers, fasting

    Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum yesterday asked residents of the state to fast and pray for Allah to stem the current resurgence of terrorism in the state.

    Zulum said in a broadcast that Borno, for the 15th year running, has been in the global spotlight on account of the Boko Haram insurgency.

    He said the conflict has affected every segment of society, “displacing millions of people across all 27 local government areas, and dislocating the socio-economic activities and livelihoods of our people.”

    He said: “We were able to overcome those harrowing days of insurgency by uniting as one, setting aside differences of ethnicity, religion, and sectionalism. We rallied behind our armed forces and other security agencies to confront the common enemy, whose aim was to destabilize our state, the North-East, and the nation as a whole.

    “The relative peace attained in the state has contributed to a promising harvest for this year’s farming season. Farmers have been able to cultivate their crops , which is expected to sustain them for the next one to two years.”

    We must plan to fight insecurity —Experts

     Reacting to the current security challenge, a former Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Mike Okiro advised the Federal Government to take security as a serious project.

     “I want the Federal Government to heighten security projects in the country. Security as a project is not something that happens overnight; you have to plan to fight insecurity, make your proposals and follow them,” he told The Nation.

    “The constitution is very clear: security is the paramount responsibility of the government. Government should do something to make sure that Nigerians are secure.”

    A retired Assistant Inspector -General of Police (AIG), Wilson Inalegwu, said it would appear as if the brains behind the resurgence in terrorism are testing the ability of the new Service Chiefs.

    Inalegwu called for synergy between security agencies.

    Criminals will not last long if the right steps are taken against them, he said.

    He also called for the employment of more policemen as part of measures to stop the menace.

    The retired AIG said: “I think these criminals are testing the resolve of the new service chiefs who have just taken office. But they won’t last long if we do the right thing.

    “We must continue to strengthen collaboration among security agencies, and also with communities, so we can get to the root of these incidents.

    “We also need to tighten security along our borders and state boundaries. When these criminals cross in and out, we should be able to detect and stop them. If we can mobilize the public to support security forces and if the forces build trust and confidence, that cooperation will produce results.

     “However, security agencies must also demonstrate capacity. When the public reports suspicious activities like people moving around on motorcycles, the response has to be swift and precise, so innocent people are not harmed.

    “Another thing we must do is strengthen first responders. Security presence at schools should be strong enough to hold ground, even briefly, until reinforcements arrive. That also ties into situational awareness.

    “The DPOs and DSS units in local government areas, through the local security committees, should train some community members to recognize unfamiliar faces or unusual behavior.

    “Food sellers should also be involved. If kidnappers are holding 20 or 200 people somewhere, they need to feed them. They must buy food.

    “Even if they have supplies, at some point they’ll need to buy something and that should raise suspicion.

    “These are the signs the public should be trained to recognise. For example, someone suddenly buying unusually large quantities of bread.”

     On the comment by the President of the United States that ‘Nigeria is s country of particular concern’, he said; “That comment doesn’t speak well of us, but Nigeria is a great country. I believe his remark is meant to make the government wake up.

     “And waking up means providing adequate resources for security agencies and holding commanders accountable for how those resources are used.

    “Government can even adopt results-based budgeting. For example, if we say kidnappings are high and we provide a specific number of vehicles and funding, security agencies must show results.

    “Every three months we should review crime statistics to see if the resources make any difference.

     “This “envelope” budgeting system is not ideal. We also need to increase the number of police personnel. As a temporary measure, the government should consider using the Special Constabulary provided for under Part 5, Sections 113 to 121 of the Police Act, 2020. They can serve as a force multiplier if properly equipped.”

    A former Commissioner of Police, Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lawrence Alobi, said:

    “Let’s be honest and realistic: the constant back-and-forth over religion does not serve anyone. These are sentiments. The President, as Commander-in-Chief, must stand firm and say: enough is enough.

    “Christians have suffered a significant number of attacks in communities like Yelwata and parts of Benue. It’s a fact that cannot be denied.

    “Yes, some Muslim communities have also been attacked, but the way the narrative is being pushed makes it appear as though only one group is affected.

    “Nigeria is a secular state governed by no particular religion and the government must be conscious of that.

    “It is unfortunate that these incidents keep happening, but we cannot wait for foreign leaders, including Trump or anyone else, to tell us what is wrong. We are the citizens. We are the ones feeling the pain.

    “We know who is being affected, and we understand the magnitude of the security challenges facing both government and citizens.

     “That is why we must all take responsibility. We are not calling for foreign intervention; we are saying the Nigerian government must act.

    “These attackers don’t drop from the sky. They come through routes on motorcycles, in vehicles and people see them. Citizens therefore also have a responsibility.

    “We all benefit from a safe environment, so collaboration with security agencies is crucial.”

     Alobi said the recent US threat against Nigeria may have emboldened the terrorists and now want human shield for themselves.

    “He said: “If care is not taken, more will still happen. Protection needs to increase in several communities, especially Christian dominated communities. They are picking people who are vulnerable, the women, girls, children, and they are becoming more daring.”

     Another Security Consultant, Habibu Yeman noted that the timing of the CPC designation and the school attack may overlap, but there is no strong evidence that the CPC label caused the Agwara abduction.

    He said that the abduction looks very much like part of Nigeria’s larger kidnapping crisis tied to banditry, not necessarily a religious persecution campaign adding that the CPC label could exacerbate Nigeria’s security problems in the long run if it leads to diplomatic fallout, reduced aid, or loss of international goodwill.

    “That in turn could embolden non-state actors or strain the government’s counter-insurgency capacity. These kidnappings are part of a domestic security failure as much as a reputational problem,” he said.

    Mathew Oladele, a security expert, said the recent attacks might be part of the strategy by the terrorists to provide human shield for themselves in case the US wants to attack them.

    APC: Terror attacks aided by ‘internal sabotage’

    For the Lagos State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, the security challenge could only have been possible with the aid of saboteurs.

    Publicity Secretary of the party in the state, Seye Oladejo, said in a statement yesterday that certain elements within Nigeria’s security architecture were collaborating with external forces to sabotage national efforts.

     “Nigeria stands at a decisive historical junction – not because we are weak, but because enemies of the state, saboteurs in high places, and foreign instigators believe they can manipulate the destiny of a sovereign nation of 230 million people. They are mistaken. Their plot will fail,” he said.

     “There is no magic or mystery when terrorists successfully launch attacks despite our advanced intelligence capabilities and iron-proof security alerts.

    “This is nothing short of internal sabotage. It is the clear evidence of supposed protectors working hand-in-glove with aggressors.”

    Trump: Nigeria doing nothing to stop killings

    US President Donald Trump in a fresh outburst against Nigeria claimed that the federal government was doing ‘nothing’ to stop killings in the country.

    “The whole thing is a disgrace. They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s genocide. And I’m really angry about it,” he said on Fox News Radio’s ‘The Brian Kilmeade Show’ on Friday.

     “And we pay, you know, we give a lot of subsidy to Nigeria which we’re going to end up stopping.

    “The government’s done nothing. They’re killing Christians at will. And you know until I got involved in it two weeks ago — nobody even talked about it.”

  • Tinubu: I’m determined to eliminate bandits, terrorists in North

    Tinubu: I’m determined to eliminate bandits, terrorists in North

    • Vows to reverse region’s economic decline, fast-track Kolmani oil exploitation
    • Gowon, Sani, elders push for united front against insecurity
    • President firm in his support for North’s interests, devt – Barau

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to eliminate terrorist and bandit groups tormenting the northern part of the country, declaring that no region of the country will be left to bleed while his government stands by.

    He said the layers and sophistication of the security crisis inherited were daunting, but his resolve to end the menace remains firm and urgent.

    Tinubu also pledged to reverse the long-running economic decline of the North, expressing optimism that the region is on the verge of a major turnaround with the anticipated rollout of crude oil from the Kolmani fields and other emerging oil prospects across the region.

    Speaking at the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna, the President  who was represented by the Speaker, House of Representatives, Tajuddeen Abbas said the North is facing one of the gravest tests in its history, a corrosion of security, a collapse of communal ethics and a distortion of the moral compass that once held its communities together.

    He warned that Nigeria cannot prosper when a key part of its national body is “paralysed,” stressing that the North’s stability is essential to the peace and progress of the entire federation.

    Tinubu praised the ACF for serving as the conscience of the region for 25 years, describing the forum as a reservoir of patriots, thinkers, moral leaders and negotiators who have defended the dignity and interests of millions across the North.

    He noted that the founding fathers of the ACF anticipated moments of national strain and built an institution strong enough to articulate the hopes of the region. According to him, the North’s triumph will depend on the strength of its institutions rather than on strong individuals.

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    The President said he attended the anniversary “not as a son of the region, but as a son of the Nigerian federation,” bound by duty and conscience to every part of the country. He urged leaders to embrace selflessness and moral responsibility, warning that privilege comes with accountability.

    Tinubu said the North has not failed, but could fail if leaders retreat from their obligation to be their brothers’ keepers. He noted that failure begins the day leaders sleep comfortably while millions sleep hungry or travel in fear across short distances.

    He insisted that hope is not lost, despite decades of dysfunction that weakened bonds and deepened distrust. The ethnic and religious diversity represented at the ACF anniversary, he said, signals the region’s readiness to overcome division and rebuild unity.

    According to him, rebuilding trust across communities is fundamental because insecurity will persist, economic stagnation will deepen and educational deficits will widen unless social harmony is restored.

    The President listed key interventions under his administration, including accelerated road, rail and river transport projects across the North. Chief among them is the Abuja–Kaduna–Kano Superhighway, which he said would be completed and commissioned in Kano in the coming months.

    Tinubu described the proposed ACF Endowment Fund as a bold and visionary step toward securing the region’s future. He said the fund’s focus on girl-child education, youth skills development, peacebuilding and conflict resolution aligns with the country’s broader development agenda.

    He urged Northern leaders across government, traditional institutions and civil society to recommit themselves to the ideals that inspired the formation of the ACF 25 years ago, courage, justice, fairness and collective responsibility.

    Tinubu warned that unity remains the North’s strongest asset. Without it, he said, security initiatives will sputter, economic opportunities will slip away and the region’s political influence will diminish. But with unity, “there is no challenge the region cannot overcome.”

    The President concluded by calling on the ACF to continue acting as the moral compass of the region, asserting that the North has the capacity to reclaim its stability, rebuild its economy and remain a central pillar of Nigeria’s collective progress.

    At the event climaxing the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF),

    Northern leaders  warned that the region must urgently rebuild its unity and confront insecurity head-on or risk sliding into deeper turmoil.

    Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, delivered a stern reminder that peace remains the North’s most precious but endangered asset.

    Gowon, who was represented by former Vice-President, Arc. Mohammed  Sambo,  described unity, peace and harmony as the very oxygen required for development and collective dignity, saying that, the ACF was founded to champion moderation and national cohesion, insisting that those guiding principles must be restored as daily realities, not rhetorical slogans.

    According to Gowon, “Without unity we fracture. Without peace we stagnate,” he warned, noting that extremists continue to exploit divisions within northern communities.

    ACF Board of Trustees Chairman, Alhaji Bashir Dalhatu, said the forum emerged in 2000 to provide moral leadership as the North faced rising pressures—pressures that today have grown even more frightening.

    He cited repeated attacks, abductions and the killing of a senior military officer as proof that too many communities remain exposed to violent threats.

    “Government must find a way to end the violence rapidly. The consequences of failure, God forbid, are too frightening to contemplate,” Dalhatu stressed.

    He lamented the closure of hundreds of boarding schools due to insecurity, calling it a painful reflection of a region under siege and a generation at risk.

    Dalhatu urged deeper collaboration between traditional leaders, governors and security agencies, acknowledging current efforts but insisting “much more must be done.”

    Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani, represented by Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe, reaffirmed Kaduna’s commitment to sustaining peace, inclusion and rural transformation as non-negotiable pillars of development.

    He described Kaduna as the “historic centre of Northern identity,” adding that hosting the ACF headquarters is not just an honour but a solemn responsibility to shape the region’s future.

    Sani said his administration had embraced a leadership model rooted in inclusion, transparency, reconciliation and citizen participation—an approach he said was rebuilding trust across long-fractured communities.

    He outlined the Kaduna Peace Model, which integrates governance, security, urban planning, infrastructure and environmental reforms into what he called “one ecosystem of stability.”

    Meanwhile, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin has affirmed that President Tinubu has remained unwavering in his support for the interests and development of Northern Nigeria, saying the region has never taken any request to him without receiving prompt attention and concrete action.

    Speaking at the 25th Anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) in Kaduna, Barau said President Tinubu has consistently demonstrated goodwill towards the North, backing key interventions on security, agriculture and education, and responding swiftly to issues affecting the region.

    Barau, who represented the Senate at the event, said the North must acknowledge and leverage this presidential support to resolve longstanding challenges, especially insecurity. He stressed that the President’s listening ear and willingness to act had placed the region in a position of unique advantage within the current political moment.

    He noted that despite worrisome projections contained in a trend analysis earlier presented at the event, the North has no reason to despair, insisting that a resilient people backed by a supportive President would always triumph. “We are a strong, tough and hardworking people,” he said. “And we have a President who listens and supports us whenever we present our needs.”

    The Deputy Senate President said insecurity had earlier spread from the Northwest, but could be surmounted the same way the Southwest overcame its own crises through unity and coordinated security action. “If the Southwest can become the safest part of the country today, then we too can do it,” he declared.

    He urged northern leaders to come together and take full advantage of increased revenues now accruing to federal and subnational governments, noting that the National Assembly stands ready to support initiatives that can strengthen security and promote development across the region.

    Barau emphasized the need for closer collaboration between northern governors, lawmakers and the ACF leadership, saying such synergy would help refine existing strategies and produce results similar to other regions that have successfully confronted their security challenges.

    He also urged the ACF to actively convene and coordinate regional security discussions, lamenting that several previous meetings were held without inviting top federal lawmakers. “Invite us,” he said. “We can influence funding. We can give weight to these initiatives.”

    The Deputy Senate President further pointed to the presence of a committed Secretary to the Government of the Federation and hardworking northern ministers— including the Budget and Economic Planning Minister—as additional assets the region must harness.

    Congratulating the ACF on its Silver Jubilee, Barau said the next phase of the Forum’s work must focus on mobilising the region’s collective strength, reaffirming its resilience, and partnering with a President who remains firmly aligned with the North’s aspirations.

  • How Kanu was misled into life jail, by erstwhile lawyer

    How Kanu was misled into life jail, by erstwhile lawyer

    • Wife threatens to inflict stress on those stressing her

    Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a former counsel to the leader of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for treasonable felony and terrorism charges by the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, has highlighted the legal misrepresentation that culminated in his conviction.

    In a statement titled ‘Nnamdi Kanu’s Avoidable Ordeal: How Amateur Legal Showmen Led a High Profile Case into a Judicial Ambush’, Barrister Ejiofor recalled that he was a member of the Kanu legal team for about eight years from 2015 until Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, assumed leadership of the legal team in 2022.

    He said: “During the period our team handled this matter from 2015 to December 2023, up until Prof. Mike Ozekhome, SAN, assumed leadership of the legal team in 2022, we were on the threshold of securing yet another major relief for Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, particularly after the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him in 2022.

    “Sustained pressure, strategic diplomacy and airtight legal maneuvering had placed us on the verge of another monumental breakthrough.

    “Regrettably, certain sensitive details of this progress were, perhaps innocently, disclosed by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to some of these clueless clowns.

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    “Rather than support a strategy they barely understood, they seized the information as an opportunity to derail the entire process and treacherously orchestrated a change in the status quo.

    “Consequently, we exited the team, gloriously, and with our integrity intact.”

    Noting that a high-profile, internationally sensitive criminal trial is not a circus ring, Ejiofor noted that “once these bloated, delusional entertainers-in-wigs inserted themselves into the process, everything degenerated into a grotesque parody of legal representation.

    “Instead of crafting legal strategy, they crafted Instagram stories. Instead of mastering case law, they mastered camera angles. At every court session, their priority wasn’t research or preparation, it was posing, filming, updating, grandstanding, and “going viral. Meanwhile, the accused man’s fate hung by a thread,” he said.

    Ejiofor said the most tragic part of it all was that even after the court explicitly warned that self-representation in a complex constitutional and criminal matter was dangerous, “these ‘consultants’ encouraged it, clapping like paid spectators in a village arena.”

    He lamented that the unthinkable happened in a trial that could have been paused or avoided if the proper methodology and engagement had been applied. Yet, he said, a conviction that could have been prevented and an outcome that was entirely avoidable was allowed to proceed “under the guidance of legal lightweights intoxicated by social-media relevance.

    “They railroaded him, knowingly or unknowingly, into the savage pit of a full criminal trial, fully aware that other lawful avenues existed.

    “Even while the trial was ongoing, they busied themselves with dishing out falsehoods, half-truths, and misleading “updates” to an unsuspecting public. Every lie told outside the courtroom became a landmine inside the courtroom.

    “Every exaggerated “update” became a contradiction the prosecution gleefully documented. Every camera stunt became a professional embarrassment.

    “And now, instead of remorse, they have resumed their post-trial routine: fresh videos, fresh lies, fresh false hopes, desperate for clicks.

    “The tragedy continues because the vulnerable still believe them.”

    The legal practitioner said the greatest puzzle of all was how foremost legal minds, globally respected Senior Advocates of Nigeria such as Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN; Chief Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN; “and other erudite members of the Inner Bar; men fully versed in the anatomy of high-wire criminal litigation, became disengaged at the most critical moment of the trial, only for mediocre adventurers to hijack a matter of international significance and reduce it to a TikTok legal carnival.

    “Who replaces world-class physicians with herbal storytellers during brain surgery? Who replaces strategic diplomacy with reckless grandstanding? Who replaces law with theatrics? Only a system already preparing for disaster,” he said.

    On the way forward for the convicted IPOB leader, Ejiofor said for any meaningful rescue effort by globally respected legal experts, “the first task must be to clean up the monumental damage inflicted by these self-advertising jesters.”

    “A comprehensive review of methodology, effective engagement, and drastically reduced publicity must precede any intervention.

    “Only then can a coherent, sophisticated legal and political strategy be fashioned.

    “This is not the time for comedy; not the time for inflated egos and certainly not the time for social media theatrics.

    “It is time for soberness, time for competence, time for real advocacy. #EnoughIsEnough,” he said.

    Kanu’s wife slams lawyers for not briefing her on transfer to Sokoto

    Uchechi Okwu-Kanu, wife of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, yesterday criticised her husband’s legal consultants for failing to brief her on his transfer to Sokoto prison.

    The IPOB leader’s counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, had announced on X (formerly Twitter) on Friday that Kanu had been transferred to a correctional centre in Sokoto following his conviction.

    Okwu-Kanu said she only received information about her husband’s transfer to Sokoto after he had arrived at the facility in the Northwest state.

    She said certain persons who had visited him earlier in the day did not inform her of the development.

    Instead, she said, his lawyers “ran to social media to broadcast it”.

    Okwu-Kanu said the behaviour was unprofessional and unacceptable.

    “If you all do not sit up and behave in a civilised and professional manner, I will stress you with my ‘stress’, and I promise you, you will be stressed,” she wrote.

    “Enough of your theatrics! Be warned!”

    Meanwhile, Enyinnaya Abaribe, senator representing Abia south, says the life sentence handed to Kanu was not surprising.

    We’ll explore available options for Kanu’s release, says Otti

    Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has assured that all hope was not lost with regard to securing the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, despite his conviction by Justice James Omotosho.

    He also cautioned politicians who have positioned themselves to play petty and dirty politics with Kanu’s travails to jettison the idea and rather work with others to secure his freedom.

    In a statement he personally signed yesterday, Otti disclosed that the issue of IPOB was poorly managed at the earliest stage, but he had on a personal note engaged the authorities concerned since December, 22, 2023, shortly after he assumed office.

    The governor said he was ready to collaborate with any person or group who genuinely wants to push for Kanu’s freedom through diplomacy and dialogue with the federal government.

    The governor said: “I still strongly believe that poor management of the IPOB issue at the incubation stage created the problem we have today, hence we cannot allow it to linger and create a bigger monstrous situation for us.

    “While the trial that led to this conviction lasted, I personally engaged the authorities at the highest level, starting from December 22, 2023, on alternative resolution strategy.

    “I must state that some agreements were made, which were dependent on quick dispensation of the matter at the Federal High Court. Unfortunately, the matter dragged until this time.

    “I am confident that judgment having been delivered, the alternative resolution will now kick in.

    “It is instructive that this strategy was explained to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu when I visited him while he was in the DSS custody earlier in the year.

    “While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is free to appeal his conviction, I’m happy to inform you that I have activated and will continue to work on the already agreed strategy until his freedom is secured.

    “I’m also happy to collaborate with other well-meaning Nigerians who genuinely want this problem resolved, to push for his freedom through the same diplomacy and dialogue with the federal government, which though did not create the problem, can courageously and compassionately solve it and take the credit.

    “I’ll like to use this opportunity to appeal to our people to remain calm and refrain from utterances and actions capable of stoking fear, violence and insecurity and may negatively affect the outcome of the engagements we are already having.

    “I have no doubt that with the assurances I have received from the Federal Government, a resolution is in sight and Mazi Kanu will regain his freedom.

    “May I also caution politicians who have positioned themselves to play petty and dirty politics with the travails of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu to jettison the idea and rather work with us to secure his freedom?

    “I want to assure our people of my unwavering resolve and commitment to genuinely solving this problem with wisdom, high level dialogue and diplomacy, with a view to ensuring that genuine peace returns to the Southeast.”

  • Oil resumption: FG begins confidence-building in Ogoniland

    Oil resumption: FG begins confidence-building in Ogoniland

    The Federal Government has commenced confidence-building in line with the agreement it reached with Ogoni leaders as part of measures to resume oil exploration in Ogoniland.

    It was gathered that the government had already started the rehabilitation of four key health facilities such as the General Hospitals each in Eleme, Khana,Terabor; and health centre K-Dere in Gokana.

    The Ogoni leaders had demanded the establishment of the Federal University of Environment and Technology, Saakpenwa/Koroma; reconstruction of the Eleme section of the East-West Road; and consideration of qualified Ogonis for employment at NNPC Limited as well as interventions on critical infrastructures in Ogoniland.

    While most of the demands had been met, it was gathered that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu dispatched a monitoring team from the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) led by Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, Director of Energy Security; Goodluck Ebelo, Special Assistant to the NSA and Prince Austin Kabari, Secretary of the Energy Security Working Group, to the area to facilitate the demands.

    The monitoring team reportedly visited key locations such as the East-West Road, the Federal University of Environment and Technology campus, health facilities, and the proposed site for an industrial park, among others to see the extent of work.

    Speaking at the weekend, the Acting Chairman of the Nyo-Khana Area Council of Chiefs and Elders, Mene Sunday Kabari-Nule, confirmed that progress was ongoing expressing hope that the hospital projects would help combat sicknesses in the area.

    He said: “This project is for the Nyor Khana people, and they are very happy. For Taabaa as a community, it’s what they have been praying for to revive that hospital and now we have a brand-new one. You can feel the happiness everywhere in the community”.

    He commended the Federal Government for the initiative and prayed for its speedy completion.

    He said: “Right now we are happy with President Tinubu and the Federal Government for bringing this to us, and we are praying that God should grant them the grace to complete the project on time so that we can start using it,” he added.

    The Community Development Committee Chairman of Taabaa, Elder Prince Neekpoabie also expressed confidence that the contract, when completed, would significantly improve health of the people

    He said the project, which was being revived after many years of abandonment would tackle health issues in the area adding that it had already employed many community youths reducing criminal activities in the area.

    “The youths,.who previously had no jobs are now working here, which has helped reduce crime in the area,” he said.

    Also, the Youth President of Taabaa, Nwikeh Torue, said community youths were happy with the government and pledged maximum security for the site, assuring contractors of a safe working environment.

    “I am here to assure the contractors and workers of maximum security at the site; no one will interfere with their work,” he said.

    The Project Manager at the site, Mr. Azubuike Lucky, said that the community had been cooperative since work began, noting that most of the workers were  indigenes. 

    “You can see our progress,.the people are working with us cordially. We have had no issues since arrival,” he said.

  • Abducted Niger Catholic pupils, teachers rise to 303

    Abducted Niger Catholic pupils, teachers rise to 303

    The Bishop of the Catholic Kontagora Diocese, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna has said that the total number of victims abducted by suspected terrorists from the St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri in Agwarra local government area of Niger state is now 303 students and 12 teachers.

    Yohanna, who is also Niger Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said this update was done after a final verification exercise and census was carried out.

    According to him: “After we left the school at Papiri, we decided to make calls, do verification exercise and do further enquiries on those we had thought escaped successfully, only to discover that 88 more students were also captured after they tried to escape.

    “Our attention was drawn to when some parents whose children we had thought escaped from the attack also came asking of their children. We became curious and that was when we did census and discovered that they were abducted.

    “This now makes it 303 students (male and female) including 12 teachers (4 females and 8 males) bringing the total to number of abducted persons to 315.”

    The Bishop said that the government and security are trying to play propaganda by saying that they had issued prior warnings to the school through a circular to shut down its boarding facilities stressing that neither the school nor Catholic Diocese recieved such circular. 

    He asked the government to stop shifting blames and using the circular as a way to paint the school as disobedient to government directives.

    “I have just got back to the village this night after I visited the school where I also met with parents of the children to assure them that we are working with the government and Security agencies to see that our children are rescued and brought back safely but was gritted with what I term “propaganda” that the school was given a prior warning by the government through a circular.

    “That is not true, we did not receive any circular, it must be an after thought and a way to shift blame. In the past, around 2022 when we heard of rumours of security challenge, we do not hesitate, we shutdown immediately. Is it when there is a circular from the government asking us to shutdown that we will now not obey?

    “The school is owned by the Catholic Diocese and not by any individual. None of the Reverend Sisters travelled to Abuja as they alleged. Whoever made that misleading statement should know that it is a false allegation and should withdraw such or provide the proofs and evidences.

    “We have asked the Education Secretary if he received a circular he said no; or if he was asked to send any to us, he said no. We asked if he was verbally informed, he also said no. Let them tell the world who they gave the circular to, or through what channel did they send it.

    “We also asked the National Association of Private Schools, they did not get any such circular. They claimed the school was shutdown and reopened few days ago, that is also not true, we are law abiding”, he noted.

    Yohanna further assured everyone that the school and the Catholic Diocese will continue to actively collaborate with security operatives, community leaders, government and relevant authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees.

  • Finally, Nestoil takes full possession of its headquarters after initial Police defiance of court order

    Finally, Nestoil takes full possession of its headquarters after initial Police defiance of court order

    • Security personnel vacate office premises

    • Company says damage to property undergoing assessment

    Nestoil last night took possession of its office headquarters in Lagos after an initial defiance by  some security agencies of a November 20, 2025 court order by Justice Daniel Osiagor, which directed  them to immediately withdraw their officers from the premises of the defendants.

    Lawyer to the defendants, Chino Obiagwu (SAN) who confirmed the development yesterday, noted that despite the overreaching orders by the courts, the police had declined to vacate the property as well as other assets, including its bank accounts, which were earlier frozen.

    In the high-profile debt dispute between FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited, First Trustees Limited, and oil and gas conglomerate Nestoil Limited, the Federal High Court in Lagos had directed the Lagos State Police Command to immediately withdraw its officers from the premises of the defendants.

    “The Court yesterday (Friday) vacated the ex parte that was granted by the court for First Trustees to take possession of Nestoil Towers, among others, and freeze the account. So, all those orders were overreaching and yesterday the courts, the same federal high court, vacated all the orders and directed that Nestoil should recover their possessions and recover the accounts and other assets.

    “ So, we have been making efforts to take possession, but the CP  refused to withdraw his men until this evening due to pressure from all angles, the CP has withdrawn his men and the company has taken full possession of the Nestoil Towers,” Obiagwu stated.

    While stressing that gaining access into the corporate offices was difficult for the security agents since it is electronically controlled, Obiagwu, however pointed out that the CCTV cameras outside were defaced, pointing out that the company was taking steps to take inventory to ensure that there’s no substantial damage to the property.

    “What we know is that in a situation like this, we will advise the company to look at their reputational damages, because there was no basis whatsoever for First Bank to come to this property. This property is not owned by Nestoil or any of the companies they are claiming are owing them.

    “They are just tenants. And you cannot come to a property owned by somebody else and lock it up for two weeks and chase away people and close businesses,” he added.

    The directive followed a court order which vacated an earlier ex parte order that had authorised law enforcement agents’ presence at the facilities of Nestoil Limited, Neconde Energy Limited, and their directors, Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi and Nnenna Obiejesi.

    READ ALSO: Policy flip-flops, power crisis behind North’s stunted growth, rising insecurity — Dangote

    In a formal letter to the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Longwa, conveyed the court’s decision, informing the police hierarchy that the legal basis upon which officers had been deployed to the premises had been set aside.

    The letter, dated November 20, 2025, referenced Suit No. FHC/L/CS/2127/2025, and confirmed that Justice Osiagor’s ruling effectively nullified the earlier enforcement actions taken in connection with the plaintiffs’ claims.

    “We refer to the Order of Honourable Justice D.E. Osiagor delivered on the 20th day of November, 2025, in respect of the above-mentioned matter. We hereby request that you withdraw your officers from the premises of the defendants, in view of the fact that the said order has been set aside. We look forward to your kind cooperation in this regard,” the letter stated.

    The court’s decision restored control of the affected premises to the defendants pending further hearing of the substantive suit, which the Lagos State Police Command was expected to comply with.

    But despite the court’s explicit directive, officers of the Lagos Police Command earlier on Friday reportedly refused to leave and went further to block Nestoil staff from accessing their offices, an action that triggered outrage within the company and raised fresh concerns about institutional disregard for judicial authority.

    Before the decision of the police to leave the premises, speaking at the premises, Nnaji Iwe, Associate Director and Chief of Staff at Nestoil, said the company had fully complied when the initial ex parte order was served, only to be confronted with resistance when the same court vacated it.

    “When the ex parte order was served on us, we complied without resistance. Now that the Federal High Court has vacated that order, we expect the Commissioner of Police to obey. It is not for him to pick and choose which orders to obey,” he noted.

    Iwe disclosed that officers not only denied access but also tear-gassed staff, forcing them to flee for safety. “We came in peace, ready to take lawful possession. Instead, we were tear-gassed. We are law-abiding citizens. No one should be above court orders,” he stressed.

    Nestoil’s Group General Counsel, Abimbola Atitebi, described the police defiance as a dangerous affront to judicial authority, revealing that court bailiffs were told by police officers that the Federal High Court “needed permission” before its order could be enforced.

    “This is beyond terrible. Ex parte orders are temporary. The court vacated it, wrote formally to the Commissioner of Police, and directed him to withdraw officers. For the police to remain there  is a complete breakdown of the rule of law” Atitebi said.

    The counsel warned that the prolonged occupation of the premises, despite the vacated order, sent troubling signals to foreign investors and undermined the federal government’s efforts to attract investment.

    “This is a company in a critical sector. Foreign tenants are trapped. Some cannot access their belongings. What message are we sending? If police will not obey the Federal High Court, what will they obey?”, he said.

    The underlying lawsuit was filed by FBNQuest Merchant Bank and First Trustees Limited, who alleged significant indebtedness on the part of Nestoil and its affiliates. The earlier ex parte order had paved the way for a purported receiver-manager to take possession of certain assets.

    However, the court found that the order meant to preserve the subject of litigation pending formal hearing had overstayed its legally allowable lifespan and was improperly used to take possession.

    In the same vein, Atitebi confirmed that the company’s senior counsel will escalate the issue to the highest levels of the police hierarchy and federal security architecture, describing the officers’ refusal to obey court orders as part of “a broader breakdown of constitutional order.”

    “We are a law-abiding enterprise,” he said. “We will escalate this to the highest authorities. No democracy can function where court orders are subjected to personal discretion.”

  • Kanu moved to Sokoto prison

    Kanu moved to Sokoto prison

    Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu is starting his life jail sentence in the Sokoto Custodial Centre.

     His legal consultant Aloy Ejimakor said yesterday that Kanu, who was convicted on all seven counts of terrorism on Thursday, had been relocated from the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja, his abode since his extradition from Kenya in June 2021.

     Ejimakor said he had gone to the DSS to see Kanu only to be told that he had been sent to Sokoto.

     “MAZI NNAMDI KANU has just been moved from DSS Abuja to the custodial facility (prison) in Sokoto; so far away from his lawyers, family, loved ones and well wishers,” he said on X.

     He urged calm but queried the decision to send Kanu to Sokoto, saying “when Awolowo was convicted in 1963, he was sent to the East, a neutral zone in his feud with the North.”

     A source at the DSS confirmed Kanu’s relocation.

     In sentencing the IPOB leader ,Justice Kolawole Omotosho had said that Kuje Custodial Centre,Abuja would not be suitable for him because of likely danger to his life given the number of killings associated with his directives.

     Security remained tight in many parts of the South East yesterday as the Thursday judgement continued to generate reactions.

    READ ALSO: Only Nigerians can save the country, not Trump – Ex-Foreign Affairs Minister

     IPOB said it remained committed to peaceful self-determination despite Kanu’s conviction.

     It deplored the judgement because, as it claimed, no weapons and “no attack plan” were ever found on Kanu.

     Besides,it said  he did not commit any offenses under Nigerian or international law.

     “We reaffirm our commitment to peaceful advocacy, international law and the pursuit of a United Nations-supervised referendum,” IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said in a statement.

     The Movement for the Actualization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) also condemned the judgement,saying it was like sentencing the entire Igboland.

     Judgement not anticipated, nor prayed for, but reality – Bianca

    The Minister of State for  Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu called for calm over the judgement.

     The minister who has just returned from a foreign trip described the conviction as sad news.

     “This is not the outcome we anticipated,  nor prayed for, but a reality that is now upon us,” she said on X.

     Continuing, she said:“There comes a time in the history of a people when there is  need for calm.

     “I therefore advise Ndigbo, and Nigerians as a whole, that such a period is now! There is utmost need to exercise restraint in response to this situation.

     “All actions which could be deemed incendiary, and which might escalate the situation at home or in the diaspora should be curtailed. A word is enough for the wise.

     “This situation requires careful reflection and constructive dialogue involving  all Igbo stakeholders, Governors, senators, Members of the House of Representatives, clergy, traditional rulers,  politicians and business people to engage with government authorities collectively. Beating the drums of fury and sabre rattling will only generate diminishing returns, and in the worst case scenario, yet another wasteland.

     “The most effective path toward resolution of this crisis is dialogue. The quest for  mutual coexistence of Ndigbo in Nigeria with justice, equity and dignity is a commitment which requires our collective resolve, and maintaining peace and order is essential to ensuring the security of all citizens, regardless of tribe or creed.

     “I would like to reassure Ndigbo, Nigerians and our foreign partners that there are still prospects of resolving this impasse in a manner that reduces national anxiety and societal trauma. I oblige everyone to remain calm and patient. Over the years I have continued to engage on these issues with several stakeholders. Now is the time for us all in Ala Igbo to put all hands on deck, and to  have a joint engagement , sincerely,  involving all the South Eastern States, to seek a political resolution to this matter.”

     Igbo Youth Leaders and Stakeholders Assembly called the  life imprisonment sentence as  a welcome development.

     Leader of the Assembly, Mazi Chukwuma Okpalaezeukwu said it  would open room for other developments.

    He regretted that Kanu’s continued detention without trial over the years had kept people of the Southeast in perpetual mental torture and belief that they were not regarded in Nigeria.

     “The judgement passed on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is a welcome development. The judiciary, has after a long time, finally heeded to the yearning of our people.

     “No matter how that judgement looks, there is room for appeal. Also, justice has been served,” he said.

    Okpalaezeukwu, however, noted that the judgement has given President Bola Tinubu the avenue and platform to proceed with granting Mazi Kanu pardon.

    A former National Vice President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Demian Okeke-Ogene,  called the judgement unacceptable.

     Ogene appealed to President Bola Tinubu to, as matter of urgency, intervene to prevent unnecessary tension in the Southeast region of Nigeria.

    “We want Nnamdi Kanu to be released unconditionally for the sake of peace, unity, togetherness, equity equality fairness and justice,” he said.

     An  Aba-based lawyer, Gabriel Emperor Ogbonna  said:“If  Kanu had defended himself, maybe, we could juxtapose his defence together with the allegations against him, then arrive at a conclusion that is fair enough.

     “But today, because he didn’t defend himself, it is the prosecution facts that we are dealing with and the prosecution facts are incontrovertible. So, you now see the reason there is no way anybody can fault the judgment of Justice Omotosho.

     “There is a window of getting a pardon. Pardon is a political act. If the President decides to pardon him, he has to contend  with other people in the country who feel that Nnamdi Kanu ought to be in prison:the people  in  Orsu, Ozubulu, Agulu, Orlu, Okigwe and Arondizuogu and other parts of Igbo land where the Eastern Security Network, ESN (the security arm of IPOB) had their camps or killed their loved ones.

      “The President can grant him pardon, but he has to contend with all the people who were also victims of the activities of these proscribed groups. “

     “You have to also consider the fact that, if you say that you want to pardon somebody, there must be a reason for the pardon. Before Nnamdi Kanu will be pardoned, there must be discussions  on the terms and condition of the pardon. The government and Nnamdi Kanu and his team will look at the terms and conditions. There are a lot of issues that must be  look at to be able to agree whether they are going to pardon or not. But to me, I am of the opinion that a political solution will be the best thing to do.’

    Police deploy personnel

    Imo State Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma, warned that the command would not tolerate any breakdown of law and order on account of the judgement.

     “We will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone found engaging in activities capable of disrupting public peace,” CP Danjuma said.

     According to him, the police command has intensified visibility patrols, conducted intelligence-led raids on suspected criminal hideouts, and deployed a show of force across the state to deter criminal activity.

     A former counsel to Kanu, Vincent Obetta, urged President Bola Tinubu to adopt a political solution “in the interest of justice and national peace.”

     Speaking in Enugu, Obetta said the non -release  of the IPOB leader—despite several court orders—remains a grave violation of both the Constitution and international law.

  • Hegseth, Ribadu pledge cooperation to degrade terrorists

    Hegseth, Ribadu pledge cooperation to degrade terrorists

    • How America’s Leahy Act hampers anti-terror efforts – US Rep Smith

    • Trump can’t save Nigeria, only Nigerians can – Nwachukwu

    The United States has offered to cooperate with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.

    Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said in a statement yesterday that Washington was willing to work with Abuja “to deter and degrade the terrorists that threaten the United States.”

    The statement came following a meeting between Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu in Washington in the aftermath of the recent classification of Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern by President Donald Trump and his threat to attack Nigeria for what he called genocide against Christians.

    Hegseth at the meeting asked the federal government to  “take both urgent and enduring action to stop violence against Christians.”

    He said in a post on X that America’s Department of War “is working aggressively with Nigeria” to end the alleged persecution of Christians.

    Ribadu was at the head of a high powered delegation that also included Attorney General of the Federation and Justice Minister Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede and Police Inspector General Kayode Egbetokun.

    On Wednesday, the team met with Rep Riley Moore who, on November 7, introduced a resolution in the house “condemning the ongoing persecution of Christians in Nigeria and supporting President Trump’s announcement to officially designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern”.

    On Thursday, the House held a hearing on Nigeria where chairman of the House’s Sub Committee on Africa Chris Smith called for a review of the Leahy law’s restrictions as they apply to Nigeria.

    The Law restricts Nigeria’s deployment of the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft which were bought from the US under the Buhari administration.

    One of the restrictions is that the aircraft cannot be deployed beyond the North East.

    Another is that they can only be used against terrorists and insurgents, and not bandits.

    This prompted the service chiefs at the time to ask the Senate and the House of Representatives to classify bandits as terrorists.

    Nigeria says the restrictions are hampering the fight against terrorism.

    Smith  agreed with this view and  said the restrictions be lifted in certain circumstances, such as when assisting Nigeria in its fight against groups like Boko Haram, and for better implementation of its human rights vetting process to support Nigerian forces in fighting terrorism.

    READ ALSO: Policy flip-flops, power crisis behind North’s stunted growth, rising insecurity — Dangote

    The law, according to him, is intended to prevent U.S. support for human rights abusers, but its effectiveness depends on proper implementation.

    He emphasised that the law allows for the creation of “clean” military units by identifying and separating human rights violators from those who are not guilty.

    The late President Muhammadu Buhari, in a July 22 address in Washington, lashed out at US laws that ban the sale of weapons to foreign militaries accused of human rights violations, saying such restrictions would only aid the insurgency.

    “Unwittingly, and I dare say unintentionally, the application of the Leahy Law amendment by the United States Government has aided and abetted the Boko Haram terrorists,” Buhari said in an address at the United States Institute of Peace that was co-hosted by the Atlantic Council.

    The “blanket application” of the Leahy laws on the grounds of “unproven allegations” of human rights violations by Nigerian security forces, he said, had denied his military access to the appropriate weapons to fight the militants.

    “In the face of abduction of innocent schoolgirls … indiscriminate bombings of civilians… our forces have remained largely impotent because they do not possess the appropriate weapons and technology, which we could have had had the so-called human rights violations not been an obstacle,” he said.

    “You want to train a battalion of men to go and counter terrorism… but you don’t want us to buy equipment from you,” a  former chief of Defence Intelligence Rear Admiral Gabriel E. Okoi (rtd) was also quoted as saying  at a meeting hosted by the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center.

    “The US is doing its best, but the Leahy Law is hindering our cooperation.

    “Our friends disappointed us. We could not get the arms we needed, nor could we get the ammunition.”

    How my five children were killed —Victim of Yelwata attack at US Congress

    During the US Congress hearing on Thursday, a survivor of the Yelwata attack in Benue State, Msurshima Apeh recounted how she watched in anguish the killing of her five children by the armed men who stormed the camp where hundreds of displaced families had been sleeping.

     “When we went to sleep that night around 9 pm, the terrorists attacked us where we were sleeping. We were locked inside the camp, Yelwata, and they were butchering them with cutlasses and shooting guns as well,” she said.

    “When the torture had finished at some point in time, they poured petrol on the building and the majority of them were set ablaze,” she said virtually from her base in Benue State.

    She had climbed a tree to save her life while her children were killed not far away from where she hid.

    Her words: “In the course of this action, I saw a tree when I lifted my eyes. I raised my hands on the tree and climbed up where I was able to hide myself. My five children that I left below were crying, and in my presence, they were being slaughtered by the terrorists.”

    She said she later fled into the bush before rescue workers found her and moved her to safety.

    “I ran out into the bush at some point, and those who came for rescue will now bring me out of that place at some point, and I was able to witness the whole drama. When the people came, we were now relocated to a new camp,” the witness said.

    The Yelwata attack occurred in June 2025 in the Guma Local Government Area of Benue State. Reports estimated the death toll at over 100 to 200 people, while more than 3,000 people were displaced. Many survivors were moved to camps in Nasarawa State.

    My remarks on genocide misunderstood – Alia

    Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia has explained that his remarks at a function organized by the National Human Rights Commission, NHRC, on 19th, October, 2025 in Abuja were misunderstood and misinterpreted.

    The statement, according to information and Orientation Commissioner Peter Egbodo, was neither an attempt to downplay the painful realities on ground nor a dismissal of the grief of families who have lost their loved ones.

    “His Excellency is fully aware of the weight of every life lost in Benue State, and he continues to treat the security challenges confronting the State with the urgency and seriousness they demand,” the commissioner said.

    He added: “It is important to emphasize that the Governor’s clarification that the killings should not be defined or framed purely along religious line, was made in the interest of accurate reporting, responsible public discourse, and effective response.

    “Misdiagnosing the nature of the crisis may hinder the multi-sectoral solutions already being implemented.

    “What His Excellency sought to communicate is that the conflict is complex, involving criminality, land-use tensions, and targeted acts of violence that require strategic, intelligence-driven interventions beyond religious categorization.

    “His position does not, in any way, make the Government indifferent to the pain of Christian communities, or any other community affected by these heinous attacks.

    “On the contrary, the Governor remains profoundly concerned about the safety and dignity of all residents Christians, Muslims, traditional believers, and every law-abiding citizen.”

    Trump can’t save Nigeria, only Nigerians can — Former Foreign Affairs Minister

    A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maj.-Gen. Ike Omar Sanda Nwachukwu (rtd), said yesterday that  only Nigerians can resolve their  country’s current insecurity challenges, and not external forces like the United States, despite President Donald Trump’s threat to involve America’s military to combat terrorism in Nigeria.

    Nwachukwu spoke in Abuja, at the launch of a book “The Hidden Treasures in the Niger Delta”, written by Deacon Chris Iyovwaye,

    Trump had threatened U.S. military intervention in Nigeria over alleged genocide against Christians.

    Nwachukwu said Nigerians’ unwavering support for the country’s armed forces was one of the most important elements needed to end insecurity.

    He said: “No other country can save us except ourselves. President Trump could well be doing what he’s doing to help us, to save our country, but he can’t save Nigeria, but we Nigerians will save our country, with their support, of course. And God bless Nigeria.

    “Any time I read or hear news that our soldiers have been killed and our children have been kidnapped and so on and so forth, I want to tell you, it’s not because Nigerian soldiers are cowards.

     “We showed how courageous we are in the Second World War. We did in Liberia. We did with our own country here, when we recovered Nigeria from breaking up between 1966 and 1970. We were in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Kenya, Congo, Tanzania, Mozambique, and in the Maldives and so on.

    “If we can do it to those areas, we can save our country. Support our military men for and women. Give them the resources, give them the intelligence, and they would take away all this banditry and all this terrorism in no time.”

    Nwachukwu, who was also a military Governor of Imo State, said that as retired officer who had led men to battles, he knew that Nigerian soldiers are not cowards, but brave and courageous men.

    “They can deal with this thing. They can deal with this thing. So please support them to do so.

    “Give them permission, give them the resources, and they will put to bed terrorism and insurgency in our country,” he said.

    In his remarks, former President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mike Oghiadhome, said there was the need to harness the resource in the Niger Delta for proper fiscal development.

    He said there was the need for the Governors of the States in the Niger Delta region to take concrete actions for the development of the region.

    “Our advice on this occasion is to send a message to them that there is a need for action,” Jonathan said.

  • Massive rescue operation for abducted Niger students begins

    Massive rescue operation for abducted Niger students begins

    The security agencies yesterday launched a massive rescue operation in Niger State a few hours after terrorists stormed St. Mary’s Private (Catholic) Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of the state and abducted a yet to be confirmed number of students and teachers.

    The attack came on the heels of Monday’s abduction of at least 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, and Tuesday’s invasion of Christ Apostolic Church, Eruku, Kwara State by bandits.

    Consequently, President Bola Tinubu shelved his planned trip to Johannesburg, South Africa yesterday for the G20 Leaders’ Summit to enable him take further briefings on the security challenge.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima was thus delegated to represent Nigeria at the summit.

    Tracking the Niger State terrorists for the rescue of the abductees are special police units and military men, spokesman for the State Police Command, Wasiu Abiodun, said yesterday.

    Abiodun, a Superintendent of Police, said the security agents were combing the forests and major escape routes around Papiri and neighbouring communities.

    “Police tactical units, military components and other security agencies have moved to the scene, combing the forests with a view to rescuing the abducted students,” he said in a statement.

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    He quoted Police Commissioner, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman as appealing to the public to remain calm and support the security operations.

    The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora said the terrorists struck at about 1am and operated for about two hours.

    It condemned the attack and expressed deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children and their families.

    Govt blames school’s authorities for violating directive to shut down

    The Niger State Government blamed the authorities of the school for leaving room for the abduction.

    Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, said the management of the school breached a directive that all boarding schools and construction activities in the area be shut down.

    The directive, according to him, followed intelligence suggestive of increased security threat in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.

    “This unfortunate incident occurred in spite prior intelligence report obtained by the government indicating an increased threat level in parts of Niger North Senatorial District.

    “In response to these credible security alerts, the state government had earlier issued a clear directive suspending all construction activities and ordering the temporary closure of all boarding schools within the affected zone as a precautionary measure,” the SSG said.

    He added:”Regrettably, St. Mary’s School proceeded to reopen and resume academic activities without notifying or seeking clearance from the State Government, thereby exposing pupils and the staff to avoidable risk.”

    The Niger State Government said that security agencies had commenced full-scale investigation and search-and-rescue operations to ensure the safe return of the pupils, adding that the government was in close communication with all relevant security formations and will provide continuous updates as more information becomes available.

    The government urges school proprietors, community leaders and all stakeholders to adhere strictly to security advisories issued in the interest of public safety, stressing that the protection of lives, especially those of children, remains the utmost priority of this administration.

    The police vowed to take “necessary action” against the school management for violating the government’s closure order.

    Residents said they thought the gunmen were robbers when they launched their attack.

    The pandemonium sparked by the invasion, according to the residents, scared them from rendering any assistance to the students.

    Tinubu shelves S/Africa trip, sends Shettima to represent Nigeria

    Following the development in Niger State, President Tinubu called off his planned trip to South Africa for the G20 Leaders’ Summit this weekend, to enable him receive briefings on the security challenge.

    He delegated Vice President Kashim Shettima to stand in for him.

    The President had first delayed his trip following the Kebbi and Kwara attacks only for terrorists to strike in Niger early yesterday.

    The President has in the last few days intensified consultations with security chiefs following the new wave of terror attacks.

    He had earlier directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate the rescue of the abducted students there.

    CAN condemns Niger attack, abduction of pupils, teachers

    The Niger State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) condemned the gunmen attack on St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri.

    Local Chairman of CAN, the Rev. Bulus Yohanna, said the association was disturbed by the development.

    The chairman, who is also the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, described the attack as “distressing and unacceptable”.

    He expressed concern over the safety of the abducted victims and the trauma faced by their families.

    He added that CAN was working closely with security agencies, community leaders and government authorities to support ongoing rescue efforts.

    Yohanna appealed to the residents to remain calm and cooperate with security operatives.

    He also urged Christians and other Nigerians to pray for the safe and quick return of all those abducted.

    He affirmed the association’s commitment to advocating for the protection of children and improving security around schools.

    “May the Lord grant quick release to those abducted and continue to protect His people from all dangers,” the CAN boss said.

    Northern governors call for swift, safe rescue of abducted pupils

    In its reaction, the Northern States Governors’ Forum (NSGF) called for swift, decisive and well coordinated action by security agencies to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted children and to prevent similar occurrences.

    The forum Chairman and Gombe State Governor Inuwa Yahaya, described the incident as disturbing and unacceptable.

    He said that schools must remain centres of learning, and not spaces for violence.

    The governor stressed that northern Nigeria could not afford further setbacks in its collective push to mop up out-of-school children and return them to the classroom.

    “As a forum, we have consistently maintained that schools must remain sanctuaries of learning and growth, not theatres of fear, violence or terror,” he said through his media aide, Ismaila Uba-Misilli.

    Continuing, the governor said: “Northern Nigeria already contends with significant challenges and educational setbacks, and we cannot allow criminal elements to derail our collective efforts at returning out-of-school children back into the classroom.”

    Yahaya said that governors from the north would not fold their arms and watch criminal elements undermine their efforts and instill fear in young learners and the region in general.

    He said the forum was particularly worried, especially at a time when governments across the north were investing heavily in creating safe, conducive and resilient learning environments.

    “The rising trend of attacks on schools is worrisome and saddening.

    “As governors, we will continue to work closely with the security agencies and all relevant stakeholders to strengthen intelligence gathering, enhance community vigilance and reinforce the protection of our schools.”

    Targeting of schools by bandits poses grave danger to Nigeria’s educational system, says Niger Rep

    House Representatives member for Kontagora/Wushishi/Mariga/Masheg in Niger State, Abdullahi Idris Garbassid said yesterday that continued targeting of schools poses a grave threat to the nation’s educational future.

    He described the abduction of students in Papari as senseless and unacceptable.

    He expressed concern over the trauma the abducted students may be facing and called for an immediate and well-coordinated operation by security agencies to ensure their safe rescue and the arrest of the perpetrators.

    The lawmaker prayed for the safe and early return of the abducted children and extended his heartfelt sympathies to their families.

     It’s aimed at discrediting Tinubu’s administration, says Kogi Senator

    Also reacting to the development, the Senator representing Kogi, Sunday Steve Karimi, said the incident was the handiwork of mischief makers bent on rubbishing the Tinubu administration.

    He urged Nigerians to maintain faith in the government, emphasising that President Tinubu is committed to protecting the lives and property of Nigerians wherever they sojourn in the country.

    The Senator also called on state governments to establish Community Security Agencies as part of first line of Defence to complement Federal Government’s efforts in securing communities.

    He also stressed the importance of citizens’ involvement in defending their communities and sharing information with security agencies.

    Senator  Karimi described  the attacks on schools and school children as part of incidents “of a broader pattern of insecurity in Nigeria that is rearing its ugly head.”

    Intelligence links recent school abductions to killing of terror commander in Niger airstrikes – NAN

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), quoting intelligence sources, said the student abduction may have been as a result of the recent killing of a notorious terror commander, Babangida, during Nigerian Air Force (NAF) airstrikes in Niger State.

    The news outlet said communities along the riverside axis of Shiroro had been celebrating following confirmation of the death of Babangida.

    Babangida was a key lieutenant to feared bandits’ kingpin, Dogo Gideh.

    The bandit reportedly died on November 18 while receiving treatment for injuries sustained during an air interdiction mission on the outskirts of Kurebe community, where several terrorists were neutralised.

    It is believed that the said the abductions were likely orchestrated by loyalists of the slain commander to reassert the faction’s relevance after suffering major operational setbacks from sustained military pressure.

    NAN learnt that following the commander’s death, community leaders from Kwaki, Buresidna, Chukuba, Buwidna, Kuchidna, Banda, Shalupe and surrounding villages visited the Palleli home of Gideh’s mother on November 19, where she was seen grieving.

    Katsina orders immediate shutdown of schools over banditry attacks

    The Katsina State Government yesterday ordered the immediate shutdown of all public schools across the state, following rising security threats and banditry attacks in parts of the state

    The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Sulaiman Jibia, told reporters  in Katsina that  the decision was to protect students and teachers while security agencies roll out a new safety strategy for schools statewide.

    Jibia said although students are currently in their examination period, safeguarding lives and property is more important.

    He further stressed that the closure is a temporary measure and would remain in effect pending a comprehensive security review of identified high-risk areas.

    Police debunk alleged abduction of two pupils in Nasarawa

    The Police Command in Nasarawa State yesterday debunked reports of alleged abduction of  two pupils of St. Peter’s Academic Rukubi in Doma Local Government Area.

    The Command’s spokesman, SP Rahman Nansel, said there was no truth in the report.

    Nansel said that at about 10:00 a.m. yesterday, the command received report of alleged abduction of two pupils during sporting activities on the school field.

    “In response, the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Mohammed, promptly deployed a combined team of Police operatives in collaboration with military personnel to the area,” he said.

    “Upon arrival, it was discovered that the pupils had sighted some hunters carrying Dane guns, and out of fear, fled, mistaking them for kidnappers.

    “The area was thoroughly combed, and normalcy was immediately restored,” he said.

    The police spokesman further stated that the school’s proprietor had confirmed to the police that it was a case of false alarm.

    Kebbi gov queries military withdrawal before Maga school girls’ abduction

    Speaking yesterday on the abduction of the students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi queried the withdrawal of military personnel shortly before the terrorists struck.

    Idris spoke in Birnin Kebbi while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr Joe Ajaero, who paid him a sympathy visit over the incident.

    He said the situation was unfortunate, especially as the government had received intelligence reports on a planned attack and immediately convened a security meeting.

    His words: “As a responsive government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting.

    ” The security agencies assured us that all was well and that personnel would be mobilised to the school.

    “The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3:a.m and by 3:45 am the incident happened.”

    The governor said the state had demanded a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal.

    “Who authorised the military to withdraw? How did security personnel pull out at such a critical time? That is our concern.

    “We have asked the military to investigate and identify who gave that order,” he said.

    Idris said both the state and federal governments were working tirelessly to ensure the safe return of the abducted girls.

    “Our duty as leaders is to ensure that our daughters return home safely, and we are doing everything possible to achieve that.

    “We thank President Bola Tinubu for directing Vice-President Kashim Shettima to visit us, and for ensuring that the Minister of State for Defence, Alhaji Bello Matawalle, has relocated to Kebbi,” he added.

    The governor said clerics had also been directed to intensify prayers for the safe return of the victims and for peace in the state.

    “What is happening in this country shows that enemies are working against this government. We return to God and continue to pray for divine intervention,” he said.

    Idris described the NLC President’s visit as historic, saying it demonstrated solidarity in a time of distress.

    “You left your schedules to visit us, and we appreciate it.

    ” We assure you that we will do everything humanly possible to rescue our daughters and return them safely to their homes,” the governor said.

    Earlier, Ajaero, said the incident was worrisome and occurred at a time the state was recording significant progress in service delivery and development under Governor Idris.

    He said the NLC believed the abduction was “more than a mere coincidence”, adding that any attempt to derail the state’s developmental strides would not succeed.

    “This incident came at a time when the state is witnessing good service delivery and development under the leadership of Gov. Idris.

    ” Any attempt to stop the tide of progress will never succeed,” he said.

    Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawalle who was directed by President Tinubu to coordinate the rescue operations for the abducted students arrived in Binin Kebbi yesterday for the assignment.

    FG shuts 47 Unity Colleges, Plateau closes basic schools

    The federal government yesterday 47 Unity Colleges across the country, citing security challenges.

    A circular signed by Binta Abdulkadir, director of senior secondary education, for the Minister of Education Tunji Alausa cites “recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches.”

    The closure of the colleges, it said, was approved by Alausa while principals of the affected colleges have been instructed to ensure strict compliance with the order.

    Part of the circular reads: “Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges.

    “Principals of the affected colleges are to ensure strict compliance. Please accept the warm regards of the Honourable Minister.”

    Below are the affected colleges:

    FGGC MINJIBIR

    FTC GANDUJE

    FGGC ZARIA

    FTC KAFANCHAN

    FGGC BAKORI

    FTC DAYI

    FGC DAURA

    FGGC TAMBUWAL

    FSC SOKOTO

    FTC WURNO

    FGC GUSAU

    FGC ANKA

    FGGC GWANDU

    FGC BIRNIN YAURI

    FTC ZURU

    FGGC KAZAURE

    FGC KIYAWA

    FTC HADEJA

    FGGC BIDA

    FGC NEW-BUSSA

    FTC KUTA-SHIRORO

    FGA SULEJA

    FGC ILORIN

    FGGC OMUARAN

    FTC GWANARA

    FGC UGWOLAWO

    FGGC KABBA

    FTC OGUGU

    FGGC BWARI

    FGC RUBOCHI

    FGC ABAJI

    FGGC KAZAURE

    FGC KIYAWA

    FTC HADEJIA

    FGGC POTISKUM

    FGC BUNI YADI

    FTC GASHUA

    FTC MICHIKA

    FGC GANYE

    FGC AZARE

    FTC MISAU

    FGGC BAJOGA

    FGC BILLIRI

    FTC ZAMBUK

    FTC IKARE AKOKO

    FTC IJEBU-IMUSIN

    FTC USHI EKITI

    The Plateau State Government also yesterday directed the immediate closure of all basic schools in the state, citing urgent need for preventive action.

    A statement issued by the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board said Government Junior Model Secondary Schools would close effective Saturday, November 22, 2025, while Primary and Day Schools would shut from Monday, November 24, as a precautionary measure.

    “The Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB) has directed the immediate closure of schools across the state. This decision is underscoring the urgent need for preventive action,” the statement read.

    The Board also directed Local Government Education Authorities, school heads, and community leaders to cooperate and remain vigilant.

    Also, the Katsina State Government, through its Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, yesterday ordered the immediate shutdown of all public schools across the state due to rising security concerns.

    The Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Yusuf Jibia, said on DW Hausa that the closure was a precautionary measure, following recent attacks in neighbouring states.

    He urged parents, caregivers, teachers, and the public to abide by the order as officials monitor the security situation in the country to safeguard students and staff.

  • BREAKING: 227 pupils, teachers abducted in Niger Catholic school attack

    BREAKING: 227 pupils, teachers abducted in Niger Catholic school attack

    The Niger Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Most. Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna has confirmed that a total of 227 teachers and students were abducted during Friday’s invasion of a Catholic school by armed bandits in Papiri,  Agwara local government area. 

    This is the largest number of abduction since the attack on the Islamic school in Tegina some years ago.

    According to Yohanna, 215 pupils and 12 teachers were abducted by the terrorists.

    “I have just got back to the village this night after I visited the school where I also met with parents of the children to assure them that we are working with the government and Security agencies to see that our children are rescued and brought back safely.

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    “It is worthy to note that, during the terrorists attack, some students escaped and parents have started coming for pick up their children as the school has to be shutdown.

    “I want to call for on everyone to remain calm and prayerful and I also want to assure you that we are actively collaborating with security Operatives, community leaders and government authorities for the safe and quick return of all abductees,” he said.