Kogi Vigilante Thwarts Bandits’ Attempt to Attack School, Two Killed in Rescue Effort

A vigilante unit in Aiyetoro Kiri, located in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, yesterday prevented an attempted abduction at Kiri High School, stopping bandits from kidnapping students.

The attempted attack comes shortly after the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls from Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State—who have now regained freedom—and the abduction of more than 300 students and pupils from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.

In connection with the Niger incident, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, in the 19 Northern states and the FCT, Rev. John Hayab, revealed that the father of three abducted pupils had died after suffering a heart attack following the incident.

The national leadership of CAN has since urged the federal government to take urgent and decisive measures to protect citizens across the country, insisting that the increasing security breaches demand immediate, action-driven responses.

Meanwhile, FCT Minister Nyesom Wike vowed strict punishment for officials behind an unauthorised circular directing that schools in Abuja be closed due to rising insecurity nationwide.

At the National Assembly, tensions ran high as senators debated the worsening insecurity, with some lawmakers warning that the country was “under attack” and facing eroding public trust. In the House of Representatives, members criticised the federal government for negotiating with bandits to secure the release of abducted Kebbi students.

How the Kogi Attack Was Foiled

Members of the Kiri Vigilante Group reportedly mobilised quickly to confront the attackers. All abducted students were successfully rescued, and none remained in captivity.

However, the encounter resulted in two fatalities—one vigilante member and one Hausa resident were killed during the operation.

The Chairman of Kabba/Bunu LGA, Zaccheus Dare Michael, confirmed the incident through a statement released by his Chief Press Secretary, Omofa John. According to the statement:

“The bandits attacked, and they were resisted and repelled by our team of security men. Though, there are casualties, including one hunter and one Hausa, killed by stray bullets.”

The chairman added that a Joint Task Force had intensified operations to restore confidence in the community, while warning the public against spreading unverified information online.

Security teams and vigilante groups are currently combing nearby forests for the attackers, and authorities say order has been restored.

Northern CAN Confirms Parent’s Death

Rev. John Hayab disclosed during an interview on Arise News that a parent, Mr. Anthony, died after suffering a heart attack following the abduction of his three children from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.

Hayab, recounting the distress faced by families in states hit by recent school kidnappings, said:

“People want to see concrete action. One of the parents (Mr. Anthony) of these girls picked in the school died yesterday of a heart attack because three of his children are victims.”

He added that many parents were too distraught to speak publicly about their ordeal.

CAN to FG: Protect Nigerians Now

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 32nd Triennial General Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), CAN President Archbishop Daniel Okoh said the government must act swiftly, without excuses.

“The government has a constitutional, moral, and sacred responsibility to protect the lives and property of all Nigerians without discrimination, without delay, and without excuses,” he said.

Wike Orders Sanctions Over Fake School Closure Notice

FCT Minister Nyesom Wike condemned the unauthorised school closure circular that circulated earlier, describing it as “shocking” and capable of generating panic nationwide.

He clarified that no such directive was issued, and confirmed the suspension of the Mandate Secretary for Education, Dr. Danlami Hayyo.

Senate Erupts Over Worsening Insecurity

A heated debate unfolded in the Senate as lawmakers expressed alarm over escalating kidnappings. Some senators called for international assistance, stressing that the nation was at a breaking point.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe criticised attempts to deflect responsibility, while Senate President Godswill Akpabio warned that the crisis must not be framed along religious lines.

Reps Warn Against Negotiating With Bandits

A group of lawmakers under the “House to the Rescue” platform condemned the federal government for engaging kidnappers in negotiations, warning that the approach emboldens criminal groups.

“No functioning nation rewards criminality with dialogue,” they said, citing failed negotiations with violent groups in Colombia, Mexico, Somalia, Mali, and Afghanistan.

Atiku: Terrorists Are Running Alternative Government

Former vice-president Atiku Abubakar criticised the government’s “non-kinetic” approach, arguing that violent groups now operate freely.

“Truth be told, the release of abducted Nigerians is not a trophy moment; it is a damning reminder that terrorists now operate freely, negotiate openly, and dictate terms,” he stated.

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