… Bandits abduct bride, wedding guests in Sokoto community
….Kill Elderly Woman, Abduct Three In Attack On Kano Village
Nigeria witnessed another wave of coordinated violent attacks over the weekend as bandits struck communities in Kogi, Kano, Sokoto and Kwara States, abducting worshippers, a bride and her bridesmaids, a traditional ruler, and killing an elderly woman.
Pastor, Wife, Worshippers Abducted in Kogi Church
In Kogi State, gunmen invaded a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area, during Sunday service, abducting the pastor—popularly known as Orlando—his wife, and several worshippers.
Residents described the incident as terrifying, saying worshippers fled as the attackers fired sporadically. The exact number of abducted persons remained unclear at press time.
Reacting, the Kogi State government said security agencies and local vigilantes had launched a coordinated operation to rescue the victims.
Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, said Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo was personally supervising the security response, urging worship centres in remote areas to review their operations pending improvement in the security situation.
Kano Community Hit Again, Woman Killed, Three Women Abducted
In Kano State, bandits reportedly invaded Yankamaye village in Tsanyawa Local Government Area on Saturday night, killing an elderly woman and abducting three other women.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, confirmed the incident, describing it as a disturbing escalation following a recent attack in nearby Biresawa.
He called on security agencies to intensify operations, saying:
“We will not allow these marauding criminals fleeing from neighbouring states to destabilise our communities.”
No police statement had been issued as of Sunday night.
Bride, Bridesmaids, Wedding Guests Abducted in Sokoto
In Sokoto State, bandits raided Chacho village in Wurno Local Government Area on Saturday night, abducting a bride preparing for her wedding scheduled for the following morning, along with her bridesmaids and several other guests.
Residents said the attackers struck around midnight, causing panic as families fled into nearby bushes.
The village—hometown of the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaji Shehu Chacho—has suffered repeated attacks in recent months. Attempts to reach the state police command were unsuccessful, though the APC state chairman, Isah Achida, confirmed the abductions.
This latest incident occurred shortly after N4 million and a motorcycle were paid to free kidnapped victims in Rabah town earlier in the day.
Kwara Monarch Kidnapped, Bandits Demand N150m Ransom
In Kwara State, the abductors of the Ojibara of Bayagan, Alhaji Kamilu Salami, demanded N150 million ransom from the community on Sunday.
The monarch was kidnapped from his farm in Ifelodun Local Government Area on Saturday morning. He was allowed to speak briefly with community members to confirm his captivity.
He reportedly disclosed that several other persons were abducted from neighbouring areas as the bandits moved through the forests.
Two Defence Directors Still in Captivity After 21 Days
Meanwhile, 21 days after six directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence were ambushed and abducted on the Kabba–Lokoja highway, two remain in captivity.
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) confirmed that four of the officials had been rescued, while two—identified as Mrs. Emeribe C.A and Mrs. Onwuzurike J.A—were still missing.
The union renewed calls for decentralised examination centres to reduce long-distance travel by civil servants, which it described as a growing security risk.
Soyinka Calls for Security Education in Schools
Also at the weekend, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka urged the federal government to prioritise security education at all levels, warning that rising kidnappings—especially those targeting schools—pose a threat to national development.
During a visit to Government College Ibadan, he said security awareness should be taught as a structured discipline to prepare young Nigerians for emerging threats and reduce fear among learners.
