Nigeria continues to grapple with escalating insecurity, as recent incidents in Kwara and Kogi States highlight the persistent threat of armed banditry and abductions. These attacks have prompted strong reactions and intensified security measures from state governments, alongside broader national discussions on the root causes and solutions.

In Kwara State, the Eruku community in Ekiti Local Government Area experienced a fresh assault on Sunday, resulting in the abduction of farmer Annas Aasanru. The incident marks the second attack on the community within a month and occurred barely a week after 38 previously kidnapped church worshippers were released. An anonymous community leader reported that the assailants, suspected to be Fulani/Bororo men armed with cutlasses and AK-47 rifles, kidnapped Mr. Aasanru along the road to Koro before fleeing into the bush. The Kwara State Police Command, through spokesperson SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the attack, assuring citizens of an intensive search and rescue operation involving police, military personnel, and local vigilantes.

Meanwhile, in Kogi State, a shocking church abduction occurred at a Cherubim and Seraphim Church in Ejiba, Yagba West Local Government Area during an early morning service on Sunday. Gunmen abducted the pastor, his wife, and several congregants. This follows a similar incident at Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, raising regional security concerns.

In response, the Kogi State government intensified operations, deploying both conventional and local security networks to pursue the perpetrators. Commissioner for Information Kingsley Fanwo confirmed that Governor Usman Ododo is coordinating the response, emphasizing the state’s commitment to rescuing all abducted citizens. Fanwo issued an advisory urging worship centers in attack-prone or isolated areas to reconsider holding services until the situation improves. He stressed the importance of citizens remaining security-conscious and reporting suspicious activity to authorities.

Governor Ododo had earlier warned that major bandit commanders were relocating to Kogi State to escalate attacks. He reiterated that the government would not negotiate with criminals or pay ransom and instructed the State Security Council to ensure all public activities conclude by 4 pm until further notice. Citizens are urged to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements.

Nationally, Senator Dayo Adeyeye, National Chairman of the South West Agenda for Asiwaju (SWAGA) and Chairman of the Nigeria Ports Authority, addressed the broader security challenges. Speaking in Lagos, he described the renewed attacks as orchestrated by "saboteurs and enemies" exploiting insecurity for political gains. Adeyeye affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to restoring stability, referencing the President’s security emergency declaration and recruitment of additional personnel as decisive measures.

The Kogi government remains resolute in its manhunt for the abducted church members, working closely with security agencies, while the federal administration continues national security reforms to curb such devastating incidents across the country.