Niger State School Attack: 227 Students, 12 Teachers Kidnapped – CAN

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November 22, 2025

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has put the number of abducted students in the Niger state school invasion at 227.

The Source reports that suspected terrorists had, early Friday morning, November 2, 2025, invaded St Mary’s Catholic School Papiri in Agwara Local Government Area of the State, kidnapping teachers and students.

However, while confirming the incident, the Police authorities and Niger State Government insisted that the number of abductees were yet to be ascertained .

But at an interactive session with the Media late Friday, the Niger State Chairman of CAN, Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, informed that about 215 students, and 12 teachers were taken away by the invaders.

“I just returned from the community this night after my visit to the school . I met with some parents of the missing children and assured them that efforts are being made in collaboration with the Government and Security Agencies to ensure that the Children are rescued and brought back safely.

“From our record, 215 pupils and students, and teachers were abducted by the terrorists. During the attack, some students escaped, and parents have started coming to pick their children because the school has to be shutdown”, Yohanna stated

Earlier, Independent sources had estimated that about 53 students were abducted by the hoodlums.

The Niger State Government and Police authorities in their various statements had, also, blamed the refusal of the Management of the school to obey security advisory directing the closure of schools within the area, and other security challenged Councils .

A statement from the Niger State Police Command spokesperson, W.A. Abiodun informed that the State Commissioner of Police, Adamu Abdullahi Elleman, has assured that a thorough investigation will be conducted to unravel why the school was still in session after the Government’s directive for schools to be closed .

“The Commissioner of Police, assured that this incident will be investigated, and necessary action taken against the school management for continuing academic activities contrary to the state Government’s directives on closure of schools in the area due to security challenges”, the police statement reads in part.

Christians Genocide: US Congress Public Hearing ‘One-sided’- FG

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 22, 2025

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Mohammed Idris - Minister of Information and National Orientation

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, has condemned the ongoing public hearing by the US Congress over alleged Christians Genocide in the country.

Idris who spoke on Channels Television Politics Today on Friday, said the investigation is misleading because the lawmakers are relying on distorted claims by some people.

The Congress investigations comes few weeks after President Donald Trump said he was prepared to use military force against the country if the federal government failed to stop targeted attacks against Christians in the country.

The US leader also designated Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern, CPC as part of his government efforts to put pressure on Nigeria to end the killings of Christians by Islamic radical groups

The federal government had earlier in the week dispatched a high-powered delegation led by Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, NSA to the US as part of its trouble-shorting efforts with the UG government, after earlier denying that Christians are being systematically wiped out by Islamic insurgents.

According to the Minister, the alleged Christians genocide cannot be supported with verifiable facts, saying the federal government is doing everything to protect the rights of all Nigerians regardless of fail or creed, describing the US Congress hearing to be “one-sided’ that “falls short of the standards expected of a fair and objective congressional inquiry.”

“The hearing did not present a balanced picture. It ignored the complexities of insecurity in Nigeria and failed to recognise that victims of violence cut across religious lines,” the minister said.

“When foreign bodies reduce criminality, banditry and communal disputes to a religious war, they not only misinform their own public but also endanger efforts to build unity at home.”

The magazine had earlier reported that the federal government, on Tuesday, sent the NSA, top security chiefs, including the Inspector General of Police, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Staff, CDS and other top federal government officials to meet with top officials of the US government as tension continue to rise over the remark by President Trump that he was prepared to attack Nigeria militarily if the alleged Christians genocide persists.

On Friday, Ribadu shared a picture with the US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth on his Facebook page, as part of the ongoing peace-building meetings to douse tension between the two countries.

Meanwhile, diplomatic analysts insist that the spat between the countries will only exacerbate if the Tinubu administration continues to push back rather than being reconciliatory with the Trump administration.

Students’ Abduction: FG Announces Closure Of Unity Schools

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 22, 2025

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Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School - Kebbi State

The Federal Government has ordered the immediate closure of 41 federal Unity Colleges across the country to forestall further security breach. Majority of the schools affected are in the northern part of the country, while some schools have also been shut in the south.

The development followed the recent abduction of secondary school students in Niger and Kebbi states. The closure was announced on Friday by the federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, the nation’s capital.

The magazine had earlier reported that dozens of high school students were abducted by bandits, who also took away some members of staff of the affected schools.

The situation has created serious apprehension across the country as parents are now worried about the safety of their ward sin government borading schools.

According to a circular issued yesterday by the Ministry, the directive followed heightened tension across the country over the targeted school abduction by the criminals.

The circular, signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Abdulkadir, on behalf of the Minister, said the government has resolved to prioritise the safety of students and staff.

“Sequel to the recent security challenges in some parts of the country and the need to prevent any security breaches, the Honourable Minister of Education has approved the immediate closure of the listed Federal Unity Colleges (FUCs) with immediate effect. Principals of affected Colleges are to ensure strict compliance,” the ministry said.

The magazine had earlier reported that two of the 25 school girls kidnapped in Government Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi state escaped form their abductors, and have now been re-united with their parents.

Kebbi School Girls Abduction: Gov. Idris Alleges Sabotage, Asks Who Withdrew Soldiers Just Before Incident, Demands Probe

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Ayodele Oni

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November 21, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State has faulted the withdrawal of military personnel from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, shortly before the abduction of students by bandits.

Bandits had early hours on Monday, invaded Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School (GGCSS), Maga, in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State killed the vice principal and whisked away 25 girls.

Idris spoke on Friday in Birnin Kebbi while receiving the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, who paid him a sympathy visit over the incident.

He described the situation as unfortunate, especially as Government had received intelligence reports on a planned attack and immediately convened a security meeting.

“As a responsive Government, when we received intelligence on a possible attack, we summoned a security meeting.

“The security agencies assured us that all was well and that personnel would be mobilised to the school.

“The military was deployed, but they later withdrew by 3 a.m., and by 3:45 a.m., then the incident happened,” he added.

The governor revealed that the state had demanded a full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal of soldiers before the girls were kidnapped.

He said clerics had also been directed to intensify prayers for the safe return of the victims and for peace in the state.

“What is happening in this country shows that enemies are working against this government. We return to God and continue to pray for divine intervention.”

Idris described the NLC president’s visit as historic, saying it demonstrated solidarity in a time of distress.

“We assure you that we will do everything humanly possible to rescue our daughters and return them safely to their homes,” the governor assured.

Earlier, Ajaero said the incident was worrisome and occurred at a time the state was recording significant progress in service delivery and development under Governor Idris.

He stated that the NLC believed the abduction was “more than a mere coincidence”, adding that any attempt to derail the state’s developmental strides would not succeed.

“Any attempt to stop the tide of progress will never succeed. We are ready to place the state side-by-side with others in terms of development.

“This is a distraction, but we urge you to stand firm. We sympathise with you and we are with you,” he told the governor.

Nnamdi Kanu: Ohaneze Ndigbo Alleges Bias, Ethnic Profiling

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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November 21, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Ohaneze Ndigbo Worldwide has strongly flayed the conviction and sentencing of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB.

The Source reports that Kanu was on Thursday November 20, 2025. handed down a life sentence by a Federal High Court Abuja presided over by Justice James Omotosho.

The verdict climaxed years of Federal Government’s prosecution of the IPOB leader on a seven count charge bordering on terrorism and other related issues.

He was found guilty of all the seven charges preferred against him, four of which carry death penalties. He was, however, sentenced to life in jail in place of death sentence.

The Apex Socio-cultural Organization of the Igbo, however, in a statement from its spokesperson, Dr Ezechi Chukwu, on Friday November 21, 2025 while condemning the judgment, also described it as “deeply troubling and potentially capable of unsettling the peace and stability of the Country.”

The statement quoted the President General, Senator Azuta Mbata, as expressing the serious disappointment and concern of the entire Igbo nation in the Court’s decision, noting that the development has also provoked widespread concern over what not a few have come to perceive to be a pattern of discriminatory treatment in Kanu’s case .

“Beyond the legal questions, the Igbo nation is deeply troubled by the pattern of harsh treatment meted out in this case which many perceive as reflective of ethnic bias.

“This perception erodes trust in national institutions and touches directly on the dignity and integrity of the Igbo People”, the Ohaneze Ndigbo stated.

This is as the body expressed serious concern that the fate of the IPOB leader is bound to exacerbate the precarious security situation in the South East region.

According to the Ohaneze Ndigbo, the continued incarceration of Kanu has been a major driver and enabler of agitations, violence and killings in the region in the last few years.

Ohaneze, therefore, called on President Bola Tinubu to consider the urgent exploration of political options to resolving the situation in the overall interest of national unity, peace and stability.

According to it, resorting solely to the application of force will never yield any meaningful results in the present circumstances.

Rather, the umbrella body of the Igbo nation, insisted that high handed approach will only deepen instability and restlessness in the South East region.

The body further emphasized the need for the pursuit of justice, fairness and equity by the authorities, insisting that sensitivity and inclusiveness can preserve the unity we all desire in the country.

“His (Kanu’s) incarceration has become a flashpoint for unrest, frustration and radicalization. Continued hardline responses will only deepen instability.

” In the interest of national unity, peace and equity, we urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adopt a political solution.

” Dialogue, not maximum punishment, offers the best path toward healing longstanding grievances, restoring calm in the South East and advancing true national reconciliation”, the Igbo Organization added.

Nasarawa Police Debunks Alleged Abduction Claim, Says Students Fled On Sighting Hunters

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Akinwale Kasali

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November 21, 2025

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By Akinwale Kasali

The news of an alleged abduction of Students of St. Peter’s Foundation Secondary School, Rukubi, in Doma Local Government Area, Nasarawa on Friday has been debunked.

The Nasarawa State Police Command in a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Ramhan Nansel, described the viral accounts circulating across social media and some news outlets as “false” and not reflective of the actual events.

According to the statement, the alarm was triggered when students heading to the school field for Physical and Health Education classes sighted armed hunters in the area and fled in panic, mistaking them for kidnappers. Their teachers subsequently escorted them back to the school premises.

Nansel said the Commissioner of Police, Shetima Jauro Mohammed, immediately deployed a joint team of police officers and military personnel stationed within the vicinity after receiving the initial distress report.

“Upon arrival, it was discovered that the Students had sighted some hunters carrying Dane guns and, out of fear, fled, mistaking them for kidnappers.

“The area was thoroughly combed, and normalcy was immediately restored,” the statement said.

The Command urged the public to disregard the circulating reports, advising Journalists and Media Organisations to verify information before publication to avoid creating unnecessary panic.

“The report is mere rumour unworthy of publication as factual news,” the statement added.

Insecurity: Plateau Closes Public Schools

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Ayodele Oni

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November 21, 2025

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By Ayodele Oni

Following security breaches in Kebbi and Niger states which led to the abduction of students, the Plateau State Universal Basic Education Board (PSUBEB) has directed the immediate closure of schools across the state.

The Government statement lists the affected schools as Government Junior Model Secondary Schools (GJMSSs) which will close effective Saturday, 22 November 2025, while Primary and Day Schools will close effective Monday, 24 November 2025.

The statement added that the decision is underscoring the urgent need for preventive action.

“The Board assures parents, guardians, and stakeholders that this closure is a temporary but necessary step to forestall potential threats and to reassure communities that the government is prioritizing the wellbeing of our learners.

“The Board calls on all Local Government Education Authorities, school administrators, and community leaders to cooperate fully with this directive and remain vigilant.”

Early in the week, 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, Kebbi state were kidnapped while the school vice principal was shot dead before dawn on Monday.

Early Friday morning, the bandits struck at St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution located in Papiri community, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger and abducted yet to be identified number of students and staff.

Gumi: Christians Also Kill Fulani Herdsmen

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 21, 2025

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Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has justified the alleged genocide against Christians in Nigeria, saying Christians also killed Fulani herdsmen who are blamed for committing the crime.

Gumi made the remark on his Facebook page on Thursday amid the ongoing controversy to the effect that Christians are being targeted by Islamic terrorists.

On Thursday, the United States Congress conducted an investigations into the alleged Christians genocide, some weeks after President Donald Trump threatened to stop the terrorists if the Tinubu administration failed to do so. The US leader had warned that he was prepared to use military force against the country if the killings persist.

The magazine had earlier reported that Nigeria’s National Security Adviser, Nuhu Rinadu led a high- powered federal government’s delegation to the US, to try to douse rising tension with the two countries.

Gumi who had repeatedly advocated for negotiation with the bandits, said Christians are killed in the country, the same way bandits are killed, describing the current situation as attack and counterattack by the parties concerned.

According to him, the insecurity in the country is because resources are not distributed equitably, saying calm will return once all the groups in the country got their share of the national patrimony.

Gumi: “The Christians at ‘fault lines’ in war with herdsmen, do also attack and counterattack. They kill and they are also killed. We regret all loss of lives. Don’t talk of Tafawa Balewa, Yalwan Shandam, Kafanchan, Zangon Kataf, Kaduna crises, etc.

“There is no Christian genocide. I was in Kano, Lagos and Ibadan in the last two days. Christians are going about their business. They are in power, economy and security outfits.”

The cleric warned against foreign intervention to combat insecurity.

“The only option left is to utilise our national resources equitably to educate, develop and protect all Nigerians, herdsmen included. Any foreign military intervention would only worsen the precarious situation, as nobody can control these outlawed groups on both sides.”

BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Moved To Sokoto Correctional Centre

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Suleiman Anyalewechi

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November 21, 2025

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By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Convicted leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has been moved from the detention facility of the Department of State Service DSS, Abuja, to the Sokoto Correctional Centre.

The development followed his conviction and sentencing by a Federal High Court Abuja.

The Source reports that Kanu was, on Thursday, November 20, convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court presided over by the Honourable Justice James Omotosho.

He was found guilty of all seven count charges bordering on terrorism and related Offences preferred against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria

The judgment was the climax of the IPOB leader’s trial,which began, for the second time in 2021, after his rendition from Kenya.

Throughout his trial,Kanu was kept in the custody of the DSS.

However, he is to commence the service of his prison term at the Sokoto Custodial Centre.

Omotosho has ruled out Kuje Correctional Centre as not viable, and recommended that he be transferred to a convenient and secure Custodial Centre fit for his status, and where he would be in protective custody, considering the number of people who lost their lives in the South-east no thanks to his alleged activities and orders.

News of his movement to the Sokoto custodial centre was contained in a statement from the media office of the member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia Federal Constituency at the National Assembly Hon Obinna Aguocha, on Friday November 21,2021.

While calling for prayers for the IPOB leader, Hon Aguocha also sued for calm among his supporters.

“” Hon Obi Aguocha, Member representing Ikwuano/Umuahia North/ Umuahia South ,has confirmed that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu ,has been relocated from the custody of the Department of State Service, DSS, to a secure Correctional Centre in Sokoto.

“He continues to call for calm and prayers across the South East,and beyond” the statement reads.

Gov Alia Is A Disgrace To Priesthood, Christianity

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Tosin Olatokunbo

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November 21, 2025

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By Chimamda Ngozi- Adichie

I’m utterly confused and disappointed that a Catholic Priest and Governor of Benue State could come out publicly and under the watch of camera and microphone to announce that there are no genocide in his state.

I weep not because of his speech, I wept because it is coming from a supposed Rev. Fr. Whom from today I will be addressing as Mr. Hyacinth Alia. He cease to be a Catholic Priest from my own personal belief (It’s not subject to argument. I’m a Catholic and he won’t administer any sacrament to me or my relations even after his tenure as a Governor).

Mr. Alia is a disgrace to not just the Priesthood, but to the entire Christendom.

RIP in advance to all those who spew lies and hatred to cover this genocide going on in this country.

I pour spit on Mr. Alia.