Nigeria’s worsening security crisis deepened this week as terrorists and bandits killed civilians, abducted schoolchildren and ambushed soldiers across several states, even as political parties intensified preparations for the general elections. The attacks in Oyo, Borno, Sokoto and Katsina came amid party primaries, celebrations by successful aspirants and growing political activity nationwide.
In Oyo State, abductors beheaded a teacher kidnapped alongside schoolchildren and colleagues from Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, in Oriire Local Government Area. In Sokoto, suspected Lakurawa terrorists killed seven soldiers in an ambush. In Katsina, bandits stormed a market and killed 11 people, including a pregnant woman. Meanwhile, parents in Borno continued to wait for news about children abducted from schools near the Sambisa Forest.
Teacher beheaded after school abduction
Gunmen abducted more than 40 people, including pupils, students and teachers, during coordinated attacks on three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State last Friday.
One of the kidnapped teachers, Michael Oyedokun, was later beheaded in a video allegedly released by the abductors. The footage, circulated on Telegram, showed the victim tied up and forced to speak before he was killed.
The killing triggered outrage and fear across the community as families appealed for urgent intervention to rescue those still in captivity.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde condemned the murder and promised to intensify rescue efforts.
“We will continue to push ourselves to the limit to resolve this quickly,” Makinde’s spokesman, Dr Suleimon Olanrewaju, said. “Unfortunately, one of the abducted teachers was killed by the terrorists.”
The state government confirmed that security operatives had arrested at least six suspects linked to the kidnapping. Authorities said some were believed to be informants and logistics suppliers for the abductors.
The governor also disclosed that members of a joint rescue team, including soldiers, Amotekun operatives and vigilantes, died after stepping on improvised explosive devices planted by the kidnappers.
Tinubu pushes for state police
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu condemned the killing and urged the National Assembly to fast-track legislation establishing state police.
“The federal government is working with the Oyo State government to rescue all the victims,” the president said in a statement issued by presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga.
Tinubu added that the Inspector-General of Police was personally leading a “tech-driven operation” to rescue the abductees and track down the attackers.
The president said the repeated kidnappings highlighted the urgent need for state policing structures to secure underserved communities.
Parents in Borno wait for answers
In Borno State, anxiety continued to grow among parents of children abducted from Government Day Secondary School and Mussa Central Primary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area.
The children, aged between two and 19, were taken by insurgents last Friday from Mussa community, near the Sambisa Forest.
Five days after the abduction, families said no group had contacted them or claimed responsibility.
“It has been four days since my two children were taken, and I have not slept,” said Muhammad Saleh, a parent. “The silence is tormenting us.”
Residents said the attackers stormed the village in broad daylight and marched the children into nearby bush paths without resistance.
Community members also expressed fears that the abducted children could be indoctrinated or recruited by insurgents if rescue efforts fail.
Seven soldiers killed in Sokoto ambush
Suspected Lakurawa terrorists killed seven soldiers and a civilian guide during an ambush in Runji village, Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
Local sources said the troops had just completed an operation against a Lakurawa hideout when one of their vehicles broke down.
The attackers reportedly arrived on about 30 motorcycles and opened fire on the stranded soldiers.
“They met the soldiers where the faulty vehicle was being repaired and a fierce gun battle followed,” a source said.
Military authorities confirmed casualties and said reinforcements had been deployed to track the attackers.
A senior military officer described the deaths as “regrettable casualties” and urged the media to avoid publishing unverified figures until families had been notified.
Bandits kill 11 in Katsina market attack
In Katsina State, suspected bandits attacked the Guga grains market in Bakori Local Government Area, killing 11 people and injuring several others.
Witnesses said the attackers stormed the market in broad daylight and shot indiscriminately before looting shops and rustling livestock.
“One of the victims was a pregnant woman who came to buy foodstuff,” a resident said. “People ran in different directions to save their lives.”
Residents said the attackers operated for several minutes without resistance before fleeing.
Community leaders called for stronger security measures and renewed dialogue initiatives aimed at reducing violence in rural communities.
Military records gains against ISIS fighters
Despite the growing violence, the Defence Headquarters said Nigerian forces, working with the United States military, killed more than 20 ISIS/ISWAP fighters in coordinated air strikes in Metele, Borno State.
The operation followed the reported killing of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to aggressively defend the sovereignty and security of the nation,” DHQ spokesman Samaila Uba said.
The United States Africa Command also confirmed carrying out coordinated strikes against ISIS targets in north-eastern Nigeria.
Religious groups declare prayers
The Oyo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria declared a day of prayer and fasting over the school abductions.
The group described schools as safe spaces that must never become targets for criminals.
“The trauma inflicted on these children, teachers and families is immeasurable,” the association said.
Churches across the state were directed to observe fasting and prayers for the safe return of the victims.
