The Government cannot protect you”, Terrorist commander to Nigerians
Again, some armed bandits, numbering more than 20, on Monday evening attacked Isapa community, near Eruku community, in the same Ekiti local government area of Kwara state, taking away, at least, 11 residents.
Meanwhile, an alleged terrorist commander has issued new threats against Nigeria, declaring that his group will soon begin targeting military officers, state governors, and even President Bola Tinubu for abduction.
In a video obtained by SaharaReporters, the armed militant — wearing what appeared to be a Nigerian military jacket — boasted about recent kidnappings of schoolchildren in Kebbi and Niger states.
Tribune Online gathered that the recent Kwara attack occurred around 6:00 p.m. on Monday, armed bandits stormed the community with a large herd of cattle, firing shots indiscriminately.
An elderly woman was reportedly hit by a stray bullet during the incident.
A community leader, who confirmed the incient under anonymity, said that 11 people were abducted, with seven victims belonging to the same family.
The kidnapped victims include a pregnant woman, two nursing mothers, and several young children.
Identities of the abducted individuals have been identified as: Talatu Kabiru (Female, 20), Magaji (Male, 6), Kande (Female, 5), Hadiza (Female, 10), Mariam (Female, 6), Saima (Female, 5), A house wife, Habibat, A housewife, Fatima Yusufu, A pregnant woman, Sarah Sunday (Female, 22), Lami Fidelis (Female, 23, nursing mother), Haja Na Allah (Nursing mother)
Eyewitness accounts had it that the attackers moved through parts of the town, leaving bullet holes in walls and doors.
Expended AK-47 shells were found scattered across the community after the gunmen fled.
Police authorities are yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
According to the alleged terrorists’ commander, whose identity was not immediately confirmed, his group are unfazed by recent arrests made by security forces.
He said the Nigerian government had failed in its responsibility to protect citizens.
“Everyone has woken up. We kidnapped school students in Kebbi State and Niger State. Next time, we will be kidnapping Nigerian military officers and taking them to the forest,” he said in the video.
Pointing to the jacket he wore, he continued: “Look at the clothes I’m wearing — they belong to a soldier. Nigeria, in the days ahead, we will kidnap a governor, we will kidnap the President, and others.”
The terrorist further claimed that Nigerians should place their hopes in divine protection rather than the government, insisting that authorities could not guarantee safety.
“We are not concerned that they have arrested anyone. The government cannot secure you. You people should return to God to protect you, answer your wishes, and wipe the tears from your eyes,” he said.
He ended the recording by greeting his followers on social media, saying, “No one among the big men can wipe your tears. We have woken up. I greet all of you on social media. Have a pleasant day.”
Following the recent wave of kidnappings, Nigeria’s Federal Government has come under renewed criticism. The backlash intensified after Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, once again defended the actions of armed groups—prompting a fiery response from entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charley Boy.
In a video shared online by Charley Boy, Sheikh Gumi is seen arguing that attacking bandits would only worsen the crisis. According to Gumi, military offensives—whether by Nigeria or foreign partners—would be a “mistake,” insisting instead that the armed groups should be listened to, negotiated with, and even budgeted for.
Reacting sharply, Charley Boy condemned Gumi’s remarks, questioning his judgment and accusing him of consistently defending criminals despite the suffering inflicted on ordinary Nigerians. He criticised the cleric for urging negotiations with groups responsible for mass killings, displacement, and the destruction of rural communities. Charley Boy further argued that Gumi’s repeated push for amnesty and dialogue ignores the plight of victims and seemingly positions him as a spokesperson for the attackers.
Gumi Repeats Defence of Bandits
Gumi’s latest comments, made during an interview with Trust TV and monitored by SaharaReporters, further stirred public outrage. While acknowledging that the killings perpetrated by bandits were “wrong and obnoxious,” he maintained that many attacks were acts of retaliation linked to long-standing grievances.
Referencing past efforts, Gumi claimed that former Bauchi State governor Isa Yuguda once met with over 5,000 bandits who complained of losing their families and livelihoods due to hostilities. He argued that Fulani herdsmen had historically lived peacefully with other ethnic groups and insisted that bandits “do not attack without cause.”
The cleric urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration to focus on unifying and rehabilitating the armed groups rather than intensifying military action. He also compared bandits to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), claiming that, unlike IPOB, the bandits are open to dialogue and not pursuing secession.
Wave of Kidnappings Deepens Concern
Gumi’s remarks came at a time when attacks on communities, schools, and churches have escalated across the country. In the evening of 18 November 2025, gunmen stormed the CAC Oke-Isegun Church in Eruku, Kwara State, opening fire during a service. Three worshippers were killed, and 38 abducted.
Although the abductors initially demanded ₦100 million per hostage, the ransom was reportedly reduced to ₦20 million each before communication stalled. The incident added to a string of recent abductions, including the kidnapping of pupils from St. Mary’s School in Papiri, Niger State, on Friday, 21 November just days after another mass school abduction on 17 November in Kebbi State.
In Niger State, authorities confirmed that 50 of the 303 students abducted from a Catholic school last week had escaped and reunited with their families. Meanwhile, further south in Kwara State, 38 church members kidnapped during a Thanksgiving service have regained their freedom after five days in captivity.
Falz Questions Government Response
Following the release of the Eruku church members, rapper and activist Folarin Falana (Falz) questioned the circumstances surrounding their rescue. In a statement on X, he demanded clarity on whether the abductors had been arrested or neutralised, arguing that simply recovering victims was not enough.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu later announced the rescue of the 38 worshippers in Kwara State and 51 of the missing students in Niger State. He assured Nigerians that he was monitoring the security situation closely, adding that every citizen “has the right to safety.”
Falz, however, had earlier criticised the President over the attacks, accusing him of failing in his primary duty to protect lives and property.
Mounting Tension and Public Frustration
The spate of violence, coupled with Gumi’s continued defence of bandits, has amplified public anger and deepened the sense of insecurity across the nation. Many citizens, activists, and community leaders are demanding firmer action from the government, insisting that dialogue alone cannot address the scale of the crisis.
