The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, says President Bola Tinubu is deeply concerned and saddened by the recent surge in killings and abductions across the country. Idris stated this on Friday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, stressing that the President has taken several steps, including a recent reorganisation of the security architecture, to address the growing insecurity.
“It’s a very sad situation; the President is really saddened about it,” he said. “Even before the recent designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ and the threats issued by former President Trump, the President had already re-jigged the security forces.”
The minister’s comments follow a string of attacks by gunmen, particularly in the northern region. In the early hours of Friday, terrorists invaded a Catholic-owned school in Niger State and abducted an unspecified number of students. The incident occurred less than a week after bandits kidnapped 26 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State, killing Vice Principal Hassan Makuku in the process.
Similarly, at least 30 worshippers were abducted earlier in the week when gunmen attacked the Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where three people were also killed. The pastor of the church was among those taken away.
Idris described the current spate of violence as “really sad times for our country,” adding that the atrocities should be condemned by all Nigerians regardless of religious affiliation. “The highest duty of any government is the protection of lives and property. No one should be happy that people are losing their lives for no just reason,” he said.
He further noted that the security challenges facing the country are complex, citing the activities of jihadist extremists originating from the North-East. According to him, the insurgency has persisted for sixteen years, and the government is intensifying efforts on multiple fronts.
The minister also disclosed that Nigeria has opened diplomatic channels with the United States to address concerns over alleged Christian genocide and the rising wave of insecurity.
