Security Crisis: Wave of Kidnappings Shocks Nation
Sunday, November 16 – Armed bandits stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State at 4 AM, firing sporadically and abducting 25 schoolgirls. The school’s Vice Principal was killed during the attack. One student has since escaped. Military troops sent to rescue the girls were later ambushed by the kidnappers, highlighting the dangerous situation security forces face.
Monday, November 17 – Gunmen attacked worshippers during a church service in Eruku, Kwara State, killing at least two people and abducting the pastor and about 38 others. The attack sent the community into panic, with residents fleeing into nearby bushes. The kidnapped victims were reportedly released on Sunday, but the incident has raised serious concerns about attacks on places of worship.
Thursday, November 20 – Nigeria woke up to devastating news: over 300 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Agwara Local Government Area, Niger State. By Sunday, 50 students had reportedly escaped and reunited with their families. The mass abduction has sparked nationwide outrage and renewed calls for urgent security reforms.
Friday, November 21 – Bandits killed a farmer in Kaduna
Sunday, November 23 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu puts out a statement on his social media stating that the abducted people at the church in Ekuru, Kwara state have all been rescued and returned to their homes.
Politics
PDP Crisis Escalates
Chaos erupted at the PDP Wadata Plaza headquarters in Abuja as factional feuds, conflicting court orders, and open confrontations led to the use of tear gas. Critics accused security agencies of worsening the situation instead of de-escalating it, with some suggesting the government appeared to encourage the destruction of opposition political parties.
Judiciary Controversy
During the All Nigeria Judges’ Conference on November 18, judges were seen standing as the APC partisan song “On Your Mandate We Shall Stand” played ahead of President Tinubu’s address. The incident sparked public outcry about judicial neutrality, though the judiciary later denied the allegation.
Nnamdi Kanu Sentenced to Life Imprisonment
The Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to life imprisonment for terrorism. The court found him guilty of inciting violence, belonging to a proscribed organization, and threatening attacks on Nigerian and foreign targets. The ruling has generated mixed reactions across the country.
Entertainment, Culture & Media
Nigerian Makeup Artist Breaks Guinness World Record
Theresa Emegwara set a new Guinness World Record for the longest makeup application by an individual, adding to Nigeria’s growing list of world record holders.
TikToker Arrested for Fake Kidnap
A social media content creator in Edo State was arrested after confessing that her kidnap claim was staged to attract followers to her TikTok page. The false report had sparked panic and wasted security resources.
Davido Birthday Celebration
Afrobeats superstar Davido turned 33 this week, with fans and fellow artists celebrating his decade-long impact on global music.
Olamide Sells Out OVO Arena Thrilling Audience
Afrobeats Rap Artiste “Olamide” thrilled fans to a sold out show at the 12k-capacity Arena in London further cementing his place as one of the best rappers out of Africa.
Burna Boy Allegedly Sells Only 2k Concert Tickets of 18k-Capacity Hall
Over the weekend, images and videos began circulating online showing Burna Boy reportedly performing to a crowd of roughly 2,000 people at his Houston show. The turnout has fueled fresh conversations about whether the singer is losing fan support, especially after the viral incident where he had a fan escorted out for “sleeping” during his performance.
Adekunle Gold Plays His London Concert With An Orchestra
Adekunle Gold lit up London with a stunning orchestral concert that showed just how far he’s evolved as an artist. With a full orchestra behind him, AG served vocals, emotions, and pure artistry. To the surprise of many, his own daughter “Deja” did the honor of introducing him on stage. A night fans won’t forget in a hurry.
AFRIMA 2025 Nominees Unveiled
Africa Music Awards (AFRIMA) announced its 2025 nominees featuring Nigerian superstars Davido, Burna Boy, Rema, Shallipopi, and Ayra Starr, among others. See full list here.
Economy & Business
Dangote Cement Named Most Tax-Compliant Organization
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) named Dangote Cement Plc as Nigeria’s most tax-compliant organization for 2025 after a detailed industry-wide assessment.
Bitcoin Value Drops
The value of Bitcoin fell sharply this week, briefly dropping below $90,000 on Tuesday compared to record highs reached last month.
What People Are Saying
Peter Obi questioned why President Tinubu was in France while over 150 Nigerians were reportedly killed in violent attacks across Plateau and Borno States in recent weeks.
UNICEF strongly condemned the school attacks, stating: “No child should be put at risk while pursuing an education. Classrooms must remain places of safety, not fear.”
Wrapping Up,
Last week exposed Nigeria’s deepening security crisis with multiple kidnappings, attacks on schools and churches, and the abduction of over 300 students. The wave of violence has intensified pressure on the government to address the worsening situation, particularly in northern Nigeria. Meanwhile, political tensions continue to rise, and humanitarian agencies warn of an impending hunger crisis affecting millions.
