Fear has swept across Nigeria following a wave of killings and mass abductions by terrorists wreaking havoc in multiple states.

In just the past week, scores of innocent citizens have been murdered, and nearly 200 people abducted in attacks across Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, and other regions.

On Saturday, November 15, assailants attacked Fegin Baza village in Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State, killing at least three people and abducting over 64 others.

Barely a day later, on Sunday, November 16, bandits struck Tsohuwar Tasha village in Ruwan Doruwa Ward, Maru Local Government, abducting 14 people, including 11 women and three children.

On Monday, November 17, 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government, Kebbi State. During the attack, Vice Principal Malam Hassan Makuku was shot dead as terrorists attempted to abduct the students.

That same day, terrorists targeted Kushe Gugbu in Kagarko Local Government, Kaduna State, kidnapping Catholic Priest Rev Fr Bobbo Paschal and others. In the attack, Rev Fr Anthony Yero, brother to one of the priests, was murdered.

On Tuesday, November 18, attackers struck the Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government, Kwara State, killing three worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church and abducting at least 30, including children and the elderly.

Meanwhile, at least four vigilantes were killed and four soldiers went missing after a terrorist attack on a military base in Mayenti, Bama Local Government, Borno State. The assault came a day after the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) released a video showing the execution of Nigerian Army Brigadier-General Samaila Uba.

On Wednesday, November 19, terrorists ambushed troops heading to rescue the kidnapped Kebbi schoolgirls, injuring several soldiers. The attack came just a day after the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, ordered Operation Fasan Yamma troops to go “all out” against the bandits responsible.

Nationwide Fear

The escalating attacks have led many Nigerians to avoid public gatherings. Pastor Taiwo Olalekan of the Redeemed Christian Church of God in Abuja said worshipers are increasingly considering online services due to the threat of violence.

He warned, “We are living by the mercies of God. If trained soldiers can be killed so easily, ordinary unarmed citizens are not safe. Many have reduced their attendance at church because fear is real. We must trust God above all.”

President Tinubu Suspends G20, AU-EU Trips for Security Briefings

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his trips to the G20 Summit in Johannesburg, South Africa, and the AU-EU Summit in Luanda, Angola, to receive updates on the worsening security situation.

Tinubu has deployed additional security forces to Eruku and surrounding areas in Kwara State, following the attacks on worshippers, and awaits reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, the police, and the Department of State Services.