Kwara, Kebbi Abductions: FG Blames US Remarks as Outrage Spreads!

Kwara, Kebbi Abductions: FG Blames US Remarks as Outrage Spreads!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The Federal Government of Nigeria has attributed a recent surge in high‑profile abductions in Kebbi State and Kwara State to provocative foreign commentary—particularly from the United States of America—that it says emboldens militant actors to strike. The statement follows the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi and a deadly church attack in Kwara, events which have ignited national outrage and deepened the security crisis.

“We categorically reject attempts to portray our security challenge in sectarian terms. Recent foreign remarks have spurred rather than stemmed the violence,” said Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation. [1]

Key Developments:

• In Kebbi State, gunmen stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, abducting 25 students and killing a staff member. [2]
• In the same period, a church in Kwara State’s Eruku community was attacked, resulting in fatalities and further abductions. [3]
• Two U.S. lawmakers publicly criticised the Nigerian government for failing to protect its schoolchildren, with one warning that Nigeria would be “held accountable.”
• The FG claims such external commentary is misused by militant groups to validate attacks, weaken public morale and exploit the crisis. [1]

Why It Matters:

• The linkage made by the FG between foreign political commentary and internal security breaches signals a new dimension to Nigeria’s insecurity narrative.
• Responses from international actors now carry additional diplomatic weight, influencing perceptions of Nigeria’s sovereignty and security strategy.
• Public anger over the abductions is mounting, raising the stakes for the government’s credibility and its ability to protect citizens.

What to Watch:

• Whether the government implements new protocols addressing the influence of external commentary on internal security.
• The progress of rescue operations in both Kebbi and Kwara, and how effective they are in restoring public confidence.
• International responses—particularly from the U.S.—to the FG’s assertion that foreign remarks are helping fuel domestic attacks.

Citations:

1. TheCable: www.thecable.ng/mohammed-idris-tinubu-has-placed-security-on-highest-alert-after-kebbi-kwara-attacks/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-steps-up-search-25-abducted-schoolgirls-northwestern-kebbi-2025-11-18/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Reuters: www.reuters.com/world/africa/nigeria-shuts-some-schools-kwara-state-after-church-attack-2025-11-20/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Vanguard News: www.vanguardngr.com/2025/11/well-hold-you-accountable-us-senator-condemns-nigeria-over-kebbi-schoolgirls-abduction/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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