Rising Violence Sparks Outrage As Army Plans 24,000 Recruits
By ABDUL AHMED (A.A.) RUFUS
FRESH attacks across Kwara, Kebbi, and Borno have intensified fears of a worsening security crisis in Nigeria. In Kwara, gunmen stormed a church in Eruku, killing five worshippers and abducting several others. In Kebbi, armed men killed a teacher and abducted 24 schoolgirls, while Borno witnessed the killing of Brigadier-General Musa Uba.
President Bola Tinubu suspended planned trips to the G20 and AU–EU summits, opting to remain in Nigeria to coordinate security responses. Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Kebbi to console families and pledged swift action to rescue abducted students.
In Kwara, youths blocked the Ilorin–Kabba highway in protest over delayed security responses. Former Senate President Bukola Saraki and Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq called for urgent reinforcement. Civil society groups including NBA, MPAC, and DAWN demanded comprehensive security reforms, warning that national safety is at a breaking point.
Former Minister Rotimi Amaechi and analyst Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim criticised government inaction, citing the boldness of insurgents and attacks on previously stable regions. Education Minister Tunji Alausa condemned the Kebbi school attack and pledged stronger school safety measures.
In response, Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Waidi Shuaibu announced plans to recruit 24,000 new soldiers to strengthen the Army and improve national security readiness.
