Nation in Panic: Fear Grips Nigerians Amid Terrorist Attacks on Large Gatherings

Fear has gripped Nigerians following a recent surge in killings and mass abductions by terrorists across the country. In the past week, scores of citizens have been murdered, while hundreds have been kidnapped in multiple states.

Recent Attacks

According to NIGERIA NEWS 247, nearly 200 people have been abducted in the past seven days during a spate of attacks in Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, and other states.

• On Saturday, November 15, gunmen attacked Fegin Baza village in Tsafe LGA, Zamfara, killing at least three people and abducting over 64 others.

• Less than 24 hours later, on Sunday, November 16, bandits struck Tsohuwar Tasha village in Ruwan Doruwa Ward, Maru LGA, Zamfara, abducting 14 people, including 11 women and three children.

• On Monday, November 17, terrorists invaded Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, shooting sporadically, killing the Vice Principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, and abducting 25 schoolgirls.

• The same day, Kushe Gugbu in Kagarko LGA, Kaduna, was attacked, resulting in the kidnapping of Catholic Priest Rev. Fr Bobbo Paschal and several others. During the attack, Rev. Fr Anthony Yero, a priest’s brother, was murdered.

• On Tuesday, November 18, Eruku community in Ekiti LGA, Kwara State, was attacked during a Christ Apostolic Church service. Three worshippers were killed, and at least 30 others, including children and the elderly, were abducted.

• Also on Tuesday, at least four vigilantes were killed and four soldiers went missing following a terrorist attack on a military base in Mayenti, Bama LGA, Borno State. The attack followed a video by the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) showing the execution of Nigerian Army Brigadier-General Samaila Uba.

• On Wednesday, November 19, terrorists ambushed troops heading to rescue the kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi, injuring several soldiers. This came just 24 hours after Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu directed Operation Fasan Yamma troops to go “all out” against the bandits.

Impact on Citizens

The wave of violence has instilled widespread fear, causing Nigerians to avoid public gatherings. Pastor Taiwo Olalekan of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Abuja told DAILY POST that church attendance has significantly dropped, with many considering online worship to stay safe.

“We are living by the mercies of God. Nobody should dare put his or her trust in government or security agencies. The only one who can save us now is God,” Olalekan said. He noted that if the government fails to act promptly, Nigerians may soon be forced to worship and work from home, as during COVID-19—but even then, safety is uncertain.

Presidential Response

In response to the escalating crisis, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his trips to the G20 Summit in Johannesburg and the AU-EU Summit in Luanda. According to his media aide, Bayo Onanuga, the trips were suspended to allow the president to receive security briefings on the worsening situation.

Tinubu has ordered the deployment of additional security operatives to Eruku and the wider Ekiti LGA in Kwara State. Reports from Vice President Kashim Shettima, who visited Kebbi on the president’s behalf, as well as intelligence from the police and the Department of State Services, are being awaited.