Nation on Edge as Terrorists Launch Deadly Attacks, Target Schools and Worshippers Across Nigeria
Story; written by Uzuh Rita November 20,2025
Fear has gripped Nigerians as a wave of violent attacks, kidnappings, and killings by terrorists continues to spread across multiple states.
In just the past week, nearly 200 people have been abducted in coordinated assaults in Zamfara, Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Kaduna, and other states.
On November 15, assailants struck Fegin Baza village in Tsafe Local Government Area, Zamfara State, killing at least three people and abducting over 64 others. Less than 24 hours later, terrorists raided Tsohuwar Tasha village in Maru Local Government, abducting 14 residents, including 11 women and three children.
The violence escalated on November 17 with the attack on Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, where 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped and the school’s vice principal, Malam Hassan Makuku, was killed. The same day, a Catholic priest, Rev Fr Bobbo Paschal, and several others were abducted in Kushe Gugbu, Kaduna State, while a brother of a local priest, Rev Fr Anthony Yero, was murdered.
On November 18, terrorists attacked worshippers at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area, Kwara State, killing three congregants and abducting at least 30, including children and the elderly. In Borno State, four vigilantes were killed and four soldiers went missing following an assault on a military base in Mayenti, Bama Local Government Area. The attack came a day after ISWAP released a video showing the execution of Brigadier-General Samaila Uba.
The following day, terrorists ambushed military troops heading to rescue the kidnapped schoolgirls in Kebbi, injuring several soldiers despite the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, ordering Operation Fasan Yamma to “go all out” against the perpetrators.
The growing insecurity has sparked widespread fear among Nigerians, with many avoiding public gatherings. Pastor Taiwo Olalekan of the Redeemed Christian Church of God noted a sharp decline in worshippers, saying many are now opting for online services. “We are living by the mercies of God. If these criminals can overpower trained soldiers, how can ordinary citizens be safe?” he said.
In response to the escalating crisis, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has postponed his trips to the G20 Summit in South Africa and the AU-EU Summit in Angola to receive urgent security briefings. He has ordered the deployment of additional security personnel to Eruku and the broader Ekiti Local Government Area in Kwara State. Vice President Kashim Shettima has visited Kebbi State on the President’s behalf to assess the situation.
The nation remains on high alert as authorities scramble to contain the violence and secure the release of abducted citizens.
