•CAN confirms the kidnapping of 303 students and 12 teachers in Niger •Parents are surrounding boarding schools to rescue their children •W...
•CAN confirms the kidnapping of 303 students and 12 teachers in Niger •Parents are surrounding boarding schools to rescue their children •We are near the location of the abducted Kebbi students ―Matawalle
As the fear of school children being kidnapped by terrorists spreads across parts of Northern Nigeria, state governments in the area have started to shut down primary and secondary schools in preparation for potential attacks by the violent terrorists. Meanwhile, the Christian Association (CAN) in Niger State has confirmed that 303 students and 12 teachers were taken on Friday from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, located in the Agwarra Local Government Area.
Plateau, Niger, and Taraba State authorities, during the weekend, shut down all public and private primary and secondary schools, as well as higher education institutions, in high-risk areas within their states.
After the announcement of closure by the governments in Plateau and Niger States, Sunday Tribune reported that parents gathered at schools on Saturday to pick up their children.
It was reported that the majority of schools have either begun or planned their first term examination to start on Monday prior to the unexpected announcement.
At a press conference held following an extended security meeting in Minna, the state's capital, on Saturday, Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago referred to the kidnapping of schoolgirls in Papiri as distressing and preventable.
"This event might have been prevented. Nevertheless, it is not the time for assigning blame. Our focus today is on figuring out how we can save these children and everyone else who was taken," he stated.
The leader urged security agencies, non-governmental organizations, labor groups, and religious leaders to come together and concentrate on the rescue operations.
He emphasized the government's dedication to safeguarding people and their assets.
He stated, "Nigeria is the sole country we possess, and Niger State remains our state. Therefore, we should keep functioning as a government to safeguard the lives and assets of our people."
He mentioned that the closure of schools impacts private, primary, and secondary institutions, religious and missionary schools, Federal Government College in Minna, as well as nursing schools in Bida and Kontagora.
Bago mentioned that the shutdown would remain in effect indefinitely.
He stated that the shutdown would act as an early Christmas holiday for all elementary and high schools across the state, due to ongoing security issues.
Bago mentioned that the precise number of children taken had not yet been verified, noting that security agencies were performing headcounts prior to releasing an official announcement later that day.
In a similar manner, the Taraba State government, on Saturday, ordered the shutting down of all primary and secondary school dormitories within the state due to a rising surge in insecurity.
The declaration appeared in a statement released by the Commissioner of Basic and Secondary Education in the state, Dr. Augustina Godwin.
The announcement stated that the directive, which takes effect immediately, applies to both public and private secondary schools within the state.
Due to the security issues in the nation, it has been noted that boarding students, whether in public or private secondary schools, are being targeted by criminals, as highlighted by the recent kidnapping of students in Kebbi and Niger States.
Due to the unhealthy conditions in the country, the governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas, has ordered that all schools, both private and public secondary institutions, operate as day schools for now, effective immediately.
Considering the aforementioned, I am instructed to notify all school principals and owners of secondary institutions to disembark all students immediately.
Remember that the Plateau State government, on Friday, also shut down private and public schools in the state due to concerns about potential terrorist attacks.
It was also noted that the Police Commissioner of Kaduna State, Rabiu Muhammad, has initiated a strategic visit to several schools and organizations, particularly those located in rural regions.
As per a statement released by Kaduna Police spokesperson Mansir Hassan, the command mentioned that more officers have been sent to certain schools, and noted that extra police personnel have been assigned to the Federal University, Kachia in the state.
The statement further mentioned that key stakeholders have been involved to enhance monitoring within their neighborhoods.
The government has ordered both public and private schools in Katsina State to shut down their boarding and day schools.
A statement issued by the Public Relations Officer of the Katsina State Ministry for Basic and Secondary Education, Sani Danjuma Suleiman, stated that the measure was implemented, "in response to recent security situations in certain areas of Northern states."
This preventive action aligns with the current administration's steadfast dedication to protect the lives of students, educators, and school staff, while enhancing the existing security systems already implemented.
The declaration indicated that the regulation is applicable to every public, private, and community school functioning within the state.
The department recognizes the disruption this could bring to parents, caregivers, and school administrators, as well as the students.
The government stated that the safety and welfare of the citizens continue to be the main concern for the government.
The statement said, 'School officials are therefore urged to ensure complete adherence to the directive, while parents and caregivers are encouraged to collaborate and assist the government's initiatives during this time.'
Additionally, in Kebbi State, the Abdullahi Fodio University of Science and Technology located in Aliero has declared the shutdown of the institution immediately because of security concerns within the state.
A statement from the university, signed by the Registrar, Maimaro Alhahji Tilli, stated, "I have been instructed by the vice chancellor to notify all staff and students that the university is now closed until further notice."
CAN verifies abduction statistics in Niger
In the meantime, the Chairman of CAN in Niger State, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, issued a statement through his media assistant, Daniel Atori, stating that the most recent number of victims from the attack was determined following a verification process and a final census. He also mentioned that further checks showed more students, who had initially managed to flee, were later taken by the terrorists.
After leaving the school in Papiri, we decided to make calls, conduct a verification exercise, and carry out additional investigations into those we believed had successfully escaped, only to find out that 88 more students were also captured after attempting to flee.
We noticed it when some parents, whose children we believed had survived the attack, came inquiring about them. We became interested and that's when we conducted a census and found out they had been taken.
"This now brings the count to 303 students (both male and female), along with 12 teachers (4 females and 8 males), making the total number of abductees reach 315. The overall number of pupils and students [in the school] is 629, with 430 in the primary section and 199 in the secondary level," he stated.
He also rejected the suggestion that the school had been warned in advance by the government and security services regarding the attack, stating that it was merely propaganda.
Most Rev. Yohanana stated: "This is not accurate; we have not received any circular, and it must be an impulsive idea aimed at deflecting responsibility. In 2022, when we came across reports of a security issue, we acted promptly by closing down without delay. Would we now refuse to comply if the government issued a directive to close?"
The school is managed by the Catholic Diocese and not by any single person. None of the Reverend Sisters went to Abuja as claimed. Anyone who made this incorrect statement should be aware that it is a false accusation and should either retract it or present the supporting evidence.
We inquired with the Education Secretary whether he received a circular or was requested to send one to us, and he responded negatively. We then asked if he had been verbally informed, and he also said no. Let them reveal to the world to whom they provided the circular or through which channel they transmitted it.
We also contacted the National Association of Private Schools, but they did not receive any such notice. They stated that the school had been closed and then reopened a few days ago, which is also false; we strictly follow the law.
He urged everyone to stay calm and engaged in prayer, promising that the church will keep working actively with security personnel, community leaders, government agencies, and appropriate authorities to ensure the safe and timely return of all those who have been kidnapped.
We are near the location of the abducted Kebbi students ― Matawalle
In a separate update, Defence Minister Bello Matawalle stated that security forces are nearing the site where the abducted Kebbi schoolgirls are being kept.
Remember that 25 female students were taken from Government Girls’ Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga on Monday, November 17, when attackers stormed the school.
Upset by the assault, President Bola Tinubu ordered Matawalle to relocate to Kebbi State and oversee the rescue efforts.
Speaking to reporters in Birnin Kebbi, the minister said, "Our intelligence indicates that we are near those children."
He further pledged to the Kebbi State governor that the Federal Government is completely prepared to collaborate with the state in order to recover the girls and safely return them to their homes, reuniting them with their families in the near future.
FG delays NAFEST due to insecurity
Additionally, concerned about the recent surge in instability within the nation, the Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy has declared the delay of this year's National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST).
The event, set to take place in Enugu State, was planned to start on Saturday, November 22.
However, in a statement issued by the Special Assistant for Media and Publicity to the Minister, Nneka Anibeze, on Saturday, the ministry revealed the delay of the festival.
He mentioned that the choice to delay was taken following a thorough evaluation of public sentiment and the recent instability in various regions of the country.
In support of the affected families and communities, and with profound respect for those who have passed away, Minister Hannatu Musawa, after discussing with relevant parties, has decided to delay the festival to a future date.
The statement said, 'NAFEST has consistently contributed to nation-building by uniting Nigerians, enhancing social unity, and providing a venue for cultural diplomacy and soft power.'
MBF accuses the military of involvement, a scheme to destabilize Tinubu's government
In response to the recent wave of schoolchildren being kidnapped, the Middle Belt Forum (MBF) has claimed that the military is involved and that certain political groups are attempting to destabilize the administration led by President Tinubu, urging the Federal Government to take advice from President Donald Trump and act appropriately.
The National President of the forum, Dr. Bitrus Pogu, stated that current events bear resemblance to what President Goodluck Jonathan faced during his tenure. He mentioned that there were kidnappings and attacks on places of worship aimed at destabilizing his administration, noting that similar occurrences are now being intensified.
"It is a complicated situation, but the reality is that the attackers are Fulani terrorists, so the government must swiftly eliminate them from any location they are using as a base. Those who support them, whether within the government or the military, should not be spared, as they are the ones providing the terrorists with the freedom to operate," he stated.
He recommended that the Ministry of Communications undergo an investigation regarding certain satellite equipment acquired by past governments, stating that the effects are not being experienced during this crucial time when Nigeria is dealing with security issues.
Pogu stated: "The Ministry of Communications needs to be investigated to find out what is happening to our satellite since former President Obasanjo initiated some during his time in office, or are they being utilized to gather intelligence for criminals?"
If Nigeria is unable to manage the situation, it should request help. The approach proposed by President Trump should be adopted swiftly as the United States possesses the technology to assist the nation.
In the same context, a former military official, General John Sura, stated that the circumstances have evolved, and thus the approach to combating terrorists must also evolve, noting that it is no longer considered an uneven conflict.
The former general, who claimed that terrorists have declared war on Nigeria and thus should not be treated with any restraint, emphasized that the military, at this moment, needs to be seen as taking the offensive, rather than just defending.
Additionally, I would like to recommend that the military and civilians should work together regarding the exchange of information. A soldier cannot be present everywhere, but if information is relayed downward, it can assist in controlling the situation.
"These extremists will certainly need to move from one place to another before reaching their final destination, so the local people can relay details about their travels. If this is carried out, it would be very beneficial," he stated.
Leaders of the APC in Kwara South express sorrow over the Eruku killings
In a related update, the Kwara South All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Forum has labeled the recent attack and kidnapping of worshippers at a Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Eruku, located in the Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, by criminals as inhumane and unacceptable.
In a statement signed by one of its leaders, Chief James Bamisaiye Ayeni, on behalf of the forum, the group expressed that the latest attack in Eruku was discouraging, considering the series of violent attacks by bandits in Kwara South recently.
He mentioned that the development led to numerous deaths, injuries, abductions, reckless damage to property, and the forced relocation of individuals from their traditional residences.
Chief Ayeni, who remembered the assaults on Oke-Ode, Babanla, and Oreke in the Ifelodun Local Government Area, stated that approximately 15 vigilantes, 12 forest rangers, and a local chief were killed.
He further mentioned that the female leader of APC in the Koro area of Ekiti Local Government council ward was kidnapped and later murdered by criminals approximately two years ago.
Even that wasn't sad enough, the Kabiyesi of Koro, Oba General (Rtd) Olusegun Aremu, was brutally killed while his wife was taken. These are some of the chaos caused in Ekiti Local Government Area.
In a different realm, over 50 individuals have fallen victim to bandits on the Osi/Obbo-Ayegunle road within the past two years.
He further stated that neither Isin nor Irepodun Local Government Area has been exempt from the problem of banditry, adding, "It's time to put an end to this."
"In this situation, the Kwara South APC Elders Forum expresses sympathy to the Owa of Eruku, His Royal Highness, Oba Busari Olarewaju, the families of the deceased, and all members of the Christ Apostolic Church," he stated.
Individuals working against the interests of the nation, supporting extremists in attacks on Nigerians, claims APC
The Lagos State branch of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has, however, stated that the recent terrorist attacks throughout the country are being supported by internal saboteurs collaborating with external forces.
The party raised the claim in a statement released on Saturday in Lagos, as stated by its spokesperson, Mr. Seye Oladejo.
Oladejo mentioned that the attack pattern indicated evident internal breaches instead of a security malfunction.
He stated, "there is no enchantment or enigma in terrorists carrying out attacks effectively even with sophisticated intelligence systems and security warnings."
He stated, "This is nothing less than self-destructive behavior. It shows that those who are supposed to safeguard us are collaborating closely with the attackers."
The spokesperson for the APC claimed that the accuracy of the strikes indicated someone with inside knowledge was involved.
"Attacks on vulnerable targets by terrorists, who possess precise knowledge about military movements, are not random. Someone within is providing them with intelligence," he stated.
Oladejo also criticized what he termed the intentional erosion of security systems.
"These are not mistakes in operation. These are deliberate opportunities created by individuals entrusted with safeguarding the country," he stated.
He pointed out that the increase in attacks following foreign political statements heightened doubts.
"Criminals don't suddenly acquire ability due to foreign comments. They become more self-assured when saboteurs support their activities," he stated.
He stated that efforts to flood security agencies with coordinated attacks "demand insider information, organization, and direction."
He remarked that this was "far beyond typical grassroots improvisation."
Oladejo also condemned certain opposition figures whom he alleged were spreading terrorist propaganda.
"Some politicians are now behaving as unofficial representatives of terrorists, echoing their messages and undermining public spirit," he claimed.
The spokesperson stated that individuals engaged in undermining national security would be revealed.
"Your secret is out. Your treachery has been recorded. Your connections will be revealed," he cautioned.
He praised the Military for their strength.
"Our military continues to protect our country with outstanding courage, even in the face of treachery from a small number of disloyal individuals," he stated.
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