A vigilante group in Aiyetoro Kiri, located in Kabba Bunu Local Government Area of Kogi State, successfully foiled bandits’ attempt to invade Kiri High School, thereby preventing the abduction of students.
This attack occurred just days after bandits abducted 25 schoolgirls from Government Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, who have since been released, as well as more than 300 students and pupils from St Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State.
The chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for the 19 Northern states and the Federal Capital Territory, Reverend John Hayab, revealed that the father of three children kidnapped in the Catholic school abduction tragically died from a heart attack due to the stress of the incident.
In response to these ongoing attacks, the national body of CAN has called on the federal government to take urgent and decisive measures to protect all citizens across the country. The union stressed that the rising tide of violent assaults demands an immediate and no-excuse response from Nigeria’s leadership.
Meanwhile, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr. Nyesom Wike, vowed not to spare any officials responsible for issuing an unauthorised circular that ordered the closure of schools in Abuja amidst the rising wave of school attacks across the country.
Further heightening the national concern, there was a tense session in the Senate yesterday, where lawmakers engaged in heated debates about the deteriorating security situation in the country. Some senators warned that Nigeria is “under attack” and teetering on the brink of losing public confidence.
Similarly, members of the House of Representatives condemned the federal government for negotiating with bandits to secure the release of 24 students abducted from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.
How Vigilantes Foiled the Attack
Regarding the incident at the community school in Kogi State, members of the Kiri Vigilante Group swiftly mobilised and confronted the bandits. The vigilantes were able to rescue all the students who had been kidnapped during the assault.
Community sources informed that, following the prompt and coordinated response of the local security team, no student remains in captivity.
However, the operation came at a cost, with one vigilante member killed in defence of the community and one Hausa resident who died during the rescue process.
No School Children Kidnapped at Kiri Axis — LGA Chairman
Though efforts to reach the state police command for confirmation were unsuccessful, the Chairman of Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area, Zaccheus Dare Michael, confirmed the attack but stated that the bandits’ attempt on the school was repelled.
In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Omofa John, the chairman clarified: “The attention of the Kabba/Bunu Local Government Area authority has been drawn to reports circulating on social media platforms regarding the attack at the Kiri Axis of Bunu District. For clarity and public understanding, we wish to formally state some facts.
“The bandits attacked but were resisted and repelled by our team of security men. Though there are casualties, including one hunter and one Hausa individual killed by stray bullets.
“As we speak, the Joint Task Force has intensified operations to restore confidence in the area.
“However, the government warns the public and social media users to desist from spreading unverified news, as offenders will face the full wrath of the law.
“The joint teams of security tactical units and local vigilantes are currently combing the surrounding bushes for the bandits.
“A thorough operation is ongoing, and normalcy has been restored to the axis. The situation is under strict monitoring.”
