By Frontline Reporters
Despite intensified military operations across the country, bandits have continued their wave of terror, abducting 20 people in Kwara and Kano states between Monday night and Tuesday morning.
The latest attacks came barely 24 hours after 38 worshippers kidnapped from the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke-Isegun, Eruku, Kwara State, on November 18 were released following a non-kinetic operation involving the Department of State Services and the military.
Presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, dismissed speculation that ransom was paid, insisting that the Federal Government only negotiated with the captors to secure the release of the hostages.
There was also relief in Kebbi State as 24 schoolgirls abducted from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko-Wasagu LGA, were freed on Tuesday — one week after gunmen stormed their hostel.
Worried by the fresh attack in Isapa community near Eruku, in which 10 persons including a pregnant woman, nursing mothers and children were seized, President Bola Tinubu ordered a total security cordon around the forests in the area.
His aide, Sunday Dare, said the President also directed the Air Force to expand aerial surveillance operations to suspected bandit hideouts in Kebbi and Niger states.
Kwara Hit Again
The attack on Isapa occurred at about 6 p.m. when about 30 bandits, moving with a herd of cattle, stormed the agrarian settlement and opened fire indiscriminately.
Kwara Police PRO, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed that 10 persons were kidnapped. Residents reported that the attackers shot into homes as they passed through, leaving buildings riddled with bullet holes and spent AK-47 shells scattered on the ground.
A community leader who spoke to Frontline Reporters on condition of anonymity claimed 11 people were abducted, including seven members of the same family and several children.
A senior security official confirmed the incident, adding that operatives were already combing the forests linking Isapa, Eruku and nearby settlements.
Police Commissioner Adekimi Ojo later visited the community, assuring residents that search-and-rescue efforts involving tactical teams and local vigilantes were ongoing.
The attack has heightened fears in Isapa and neighbouring communities, where some residents now avoid evening gatherings as bandits attempt to expand their foothold.
This is the third major assault in Ekiti LGA in less than a month.
Kano Villages Ransacked
In Kano State, gunmen abducted 10 persons in Biresawa and Tsundu communities in Tsanyawa LGA.
A resident, Kabiru Usman, said the attackers arrived on foot around 10 p.m., kidnapping five people from each village, including his wife, daughter and other relatives.
He said residents had earlier alerted security agencies after receiving warnings that bandits were advancing toward the area.
Kano Police spokesperson, Abdullahi Kiyawa, said investigations were underway.
Nasarawa Church Crusade Disrupted
In Agboda community of Mararaba-Udege, Nasarawa State, a church crusade ended abruptly after suspected bandits attacked the area, leaving one youth with machete injuries and stealing his motorcycle.
The crusade organiser, Daniel Ukpo, said panic spread when news of the nearby attack reached worshippers. Police spokesperson, Ramhan Nansel, urged victims to formally report the incident.
How Kwara Worshippers Were Released
Presidential aide Bayo Onanuga explained that the Federal Government opted for negotiation rather than a direct assault to avoid civilian deaths, noting that kidnappers typically use hostages as shields.
He said security agencies established communication with the abductors and warned them of the consequences of harming the captives.
Onanuga insisted that no ransom was paid.
Kebbi Schoolgirls Regain Freedom
Kebbi Governor Nasir Idris confirmed the release of the 24 abducted schoolgirls, praising President Tinubu for deploying senior defence officials to oversee the operation.
The students will undergo medical evaluation and counselling before reuniting with their families.
President Tinubu commended security agencies, saying more troops would be deployed to prevent similar attacks.
Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun visited the governor, describing the abduction as an act of terror aimed at denying children their right to education. He said police operations in the North-West had been strengthened.
Experts Demand Accountability
Security experts and retired officers welcomed the safe release of victims but warned that failure to pursue the perpetrators would embolden criminal gangs.
Retired Brig-Gen Peter Aro said rescue without accountability could encourage further kidnappings, while Retired CP Lawrence Alobi argued that negotiating with terrorists encourages criminality.
Other retired senior officers emphasised that while saving lives is paramount, the government must also work to prevent future attacks.
Opposition Slams FG Over Negotiations
The Peoples Democratic Party, the NNPP, Labour Party, SDP and ADC criticised the Tinubu administration for negotiating with bandits, calling it a sign of weakness and failure of national security strategy.
The PDP demanded full disclosure of the terms of negotiation, while other parties warned that such actions empower kidnappers and deepen insecurity.
Kwara Sets Up ‘Safer Kwara’ Security Committee
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has inaugurated a high-level security committee chaired by the Deputy Governor, Kayode Alabi, to develop short-, medium- and long-term strategies to improve public safety.
According to the Chief Press Secretary, Rafiu Ajakaye, the committee will consult widely, including with traditional rulers, to design a security framework tailored to local realities.
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