The Federal Government on Wednesday attributed the renewed wave of violent attacks, including the abduction of schoolgirls in Kebbi and the assault on worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, to recent comments by the United States, as public outrage continued to spread across the country.
Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said remarks by US President Donald Trump alleging a “Christian genocide” in Nigeria and suggesting the deployment of American troops had “inadvertently encouraged opportunistic violent groups” now seeking to justify fresh attacks.
Akume said insurgent networks had been significantly weakened before the statements, noting that some groups were now attempting to exploit the international narrative for visibility. He stressed that Nigeria does not require foreign troops, adding that the Armed Forces have reclaimed territories and degraded Boko Haram and ISWAP structures. What the country needs, he said, is targeted support in intelligence, technology and equipment.
The SGF also rejected claims of a “Christian genocide,” stating that verified evidence shows insurgents and criminal elements have attacked churches and mosques alike, killing both Muslims and Christians. He reaffirmed that Nigeria remains a secular state and that federal appointments reflect the nation’s diversity.
Trump, in a series of posts between October 30 and November 1, designated Nigeria a “Country of Particular Concern” and threatened to suspend US assistance if the alleged persecution of Christians continued. He said he had instructed the “Department of War” to prepare for possible action.
The recent attacks have heightened global concern. In Kebbi State, bandits invaded Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School, Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area early Monday, killing the Vice Principal, Hassan Makuku, who reportedly tried to protect students, and abducting 26 schoolgirls. The police confirmed that 24 remain in captivity after two, identified as Salma and Hauwa’u Liman, managed to escape and were reunited with their families.
In Kwara, gunmen opened fire during a live-streamed service at Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Isegun, in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, on Tuesday evening, killing at least two people and abducting about 35 worshippers. The attack, captured on video, sent congregants fleeing as the assailants escaped into nearby bushes. Police and local vigilantes have since launched a manhunt in the border community.
Amid mounting national anger, President Bola Tinubu cancelled his scheduled trips to the G20 Leaders’ Summit in South Africa and the AU–EU Summit in Angola, remaining in the country to receive security briefings. Vice President Kashim Shettima has been dispatched to Kebbi for an on-the-ground assessment.
