A vigilante team in Aiyetoro Kiri, Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, on Wednesday foiled an attempted attack on Kiri High School, preventing the abduction of students.
The incident occurred amid rising attacks on schools across the country. It followed the recent abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, and over 300 pupils of St Mary’s Catholic School, Niger State. All abducted students from both schools have since been released.
The Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern states and the FCT, Rev. John Hayab, confirmed that the father of three of the abducted Niger schoolchildren died of a heart attack after the incident.
The national leadership of CAN yesterday urged the Federal Government to act decisively to halt the wave of school attacks, saying Nigerians deserved protection without excuses.
In Abuja, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, vowed to sanction officials behind an unauthorised circular directing schools to shut down over security fears. He described the circular as misleading and capable of causing panic.
At the National Assembly, senators engaged in a heated debate over worsening insecurity, with some warning that the country was “under attack.” The House of Representatives also criticised the Federal Government for negotiating with bandits to secure the release of abducted students in Kebbi State.
How the Kogi Attack Was Repelled
Residents said members of the Kiri Vigilante Group mobilised quickly after bandits attempted to invade the school, confronting the attackers and rescuing all kidnapped students. Two people—a vigilante member and a Hausa resident—were killed during the encounter.
Kabba Bunu LGA Chairman, Zaccheus Dare Michael, confirmed the incident in a statement, noting that security operatives had intensified patrols and were combing surrounding forests for the attackers. He urged the public to desist from spreading unverified reports.
Parent of Three Abducted Children Dies — Northern CAN
Rev. Hayab told Arise News that the death of the parent, identified as Mr Anthony, underscored the trauma faced by families whose children were abducted. He said many parents remained fearful and emotionally shattered.
CAN to FG: Protect Nigerians Without Excuses
CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, speaking at the 32nd Triennial Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria in Abuja, said government must fulfil its constitutional responsibility of protecting lives. He urged churches to remain steadfast in demanding justice and championing the rights of vulnerable communities.
FCT Minister Condemns False School Closure Directive
Minister Wike said no threat justified ordering school closures in Abuja and denied approving the circular. He subsequently suspended the FCT Mandate Secretary for Education and pledged punitive action against others involved.
Senate in Uproar Over Insecurity
The Senate witnessed a rowdy session as lawmakers expressed outrage over escalating violence. While commending recent rescue operations, senators demanded a coordinated joint task force for the Kwara–Kogi axis.
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin said Nigeria should consider international support, while Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele cautioned against political blame games. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe questioned reports that troops were withdrawn shortly before the Kebbi school attack.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned against turning the crisis into a sectarian issue, stressing that the entire nation was under attack. The Senate later adopted a resolution proposing the death penalty for kidnappers.
Reps Warn FG Against Negotiating With Bandits
In the House of Representatives, members under the platform “House to the Rescue” condemned the government’s engagement with bandits, saying it emboldens criminals and undermines national security. Lawmakers cited failed global examples of negotiating with violent groups.
Atiku: Terrorists Now Run Alternative Government
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar criticised the Federal Government’s “non-kinetic approach,” describing the release of abducted students as evidence that bandits operate freely. He accused the government of incompetence and questioned why kidnappers were not arrested despite claims of real-time tracking.
