Orji Uzor Kalu Claims Politicians Are Fueling Killings And Abductions To Destabilise Tinubu Government

Former Abia State governor and Senate Chief Whip, Orji Uzor Kalu, has accused politicians of orchestrating the recent rise in killings and abductions across Nigeria to undermine President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Kalu said the wave of attacks is not random but part of a calculated plan, drawing parallels to attempts to destabilise former President Goodluck Jonathan. He declined to name the alleged sponsors but suggested both local and foreign actors are involved. “What we are seeing is always a routine, something that goes with the elections. When you have an election, people will try to pressure the government in power for all kinds of things to start happening. And you can remember when President Jonathan was here, a similar thing happened,” Kalu stated. He added that the ongoing insecurity is a strategic move linked to political manoeuvring ahead of upcoming elections. According to him, the attacks mirror past periods of heightened unrest aimed at weakening the incumbent government. Despite his concerns, Kalu expressed confidence in President Tinubu’s response to the crisis, noting that the President had cancelled official engagements to focus on national security following several high-profile abductions. “For the first time, you see the president cancelling all his engagements. Today is Sunday, and he faced security challenges. He faced everything about security,” he said. Kalu assured Nigerians that the government is making every effort to rescue abducted victims, including recently kidnapped schoolgirls. “Those girls will be recovered. The government is making every effort to make sure these people are recovered,” he said, describing the current situation as “not the best of times” for the country. He also praised the military and security agencies, acknowledging that service chiefs and operatives have been fully deployed to restore peace and security.

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Nigeria Won’t Break Up, Says Oluremi Tinubu As Leaders Urge Global Support To Tackle Insecurity

The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has reaffirmed her belief that Nigeria will remain united and overcome its challenges. Represented by Bishop Stephen Adegbite at a thanksgiving service in Abuja for the investiture of Most Rev. Sunday Onuoha as Archbishop on Special Duties, she said the nation’s hope rests in God and urged citizens to keep praying for Nigeria and the Church. She noted that while Nigeria welcomes assistance from abroad, the country will not be intimidated or reduced to a disgrace. She added that Nigerians will celebrate Christmas in peace and joy. Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu also stressed the importance of international partnerships in addressing insecurity. He said the government can work with global allies without compromising the nation’s sovereignty, adding that the President is open to collaborations that will benefit the country. Kalu highlighted the key role of the Church in promoting unity, stability, and progress, saying effective nation-building requires every stakeholder to be involved. He praised Archbishop Onuoha for helping bridge the gap between government and faith-based communities. Archbishop Onuoha, speaking with journalists, said Nigeria desperately needs support to confront its growing challenges, especially insecurity. According to him, anyone who thinks the nation does not need help is living in denial. He explained that seeking security assistance is no different from seeking financial or humanitarian support. He called for an end to blame-shifting, emphasising that the loss of any life is a tragedy that goes beyond ethnic or religious identity. Onuoha pledged to work with the Church and other partners to promote peace and unity across the country.

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Bishop Oyedepo Declares Nigeria Will Not Fall To Extremist Ideology

Bishop David Oyedepo delivered a forceful message of defiance, insisting that Nigeria will not be overtaken by extremist ideology despite the wave of deadly attacks targeting Christian communities. He urged worshippers to remain unshaken, condemning the violence and pronouncing curses on those behind the killings and abductions. His remarks came amid reports that five church members were murdered and 35 others seized by gunmen who later demanded a ₦100 million ransom. Oyedepo told the congregation that their prayers would trigger divine judgment, warning that calamity awaits the masterminds of the violence. His words rang through the service: “Nigeria will never become an Islamic state… The church of Christ in Nigeria is indestructible… Every perpetrator and their sponsors come under a curse today… In the camp of the wicked, there shall be catastrophe.” Papa Oyedepo pic.twitter.com/ztUyxVRSf4 — Ijere Thomas Chukwuma, Ph.D (@chucksijere) November 23, 2025

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Breaking: Tinubu Orders Withdrawal of Police Officers from VVIPs

President Bola Tinubu has directed that police officers be withdrawn from VIP protection duties to strengthen security across communities. The instruction was issued during a security meeting with top service chiefs, including Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Director-General of the Department of State Services Tosin Adeola Ajayi. The move comes amid rising abductions and security threats nationwide. Going forward, VIPs seeking protection will be required to request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, allowing the police to focus on their primary duties. Bayo Onanuga, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, noted that many areas, especially remote communities, have limited police presence, making it difficult to ensure public safety. “In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is keen on boosting police presence in all communities. He has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers and is working with states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide,” the statement added.

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Tinubu Vows To Protect Nigerians As Abducted Worshippers And Students Are Freed

President Bola Tinubu has vowed to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity in Nigeria, insisting that no citizen should live in fear. He canceled his scheduled trip to the G20 Summit in South Africa to personally supervise national security operations following recent kidnappings, describing the safety of Nigerians as a fundamental right. In a statement on his official X account on Sunday, Tinubu stressed that his administration would continue to confront criminal activities across the country without compromise. “Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people,” he said. The President announced that all 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State, have been rescued, while 51 students previously kidnapped from a Catholic school in Niger State have also been freed. “Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued. I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State have been recovered,” he said. Tinubu added that he has been receiving continuous updates from security personnel and is closely monitoring the situation nationwide. His remarks come as Nigerians demand faster and firmer government action to stem the rise in kidnappings and armed attacks across the country.

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BREAKING: 38 Worshippers Kidnapped From CAC Oke-Isegun In Kwara Regain Freedom

All 38 people kidnapped during last week’s attack on Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Oke-Isegun in Eruku, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom, the state government confirmed on Sunday. Mallam Rafiu Ajakaye, Chief Press Secretary to the governor, said the release followed days of sustained efforts by security agencies and government representatives. He credited the success to President Bola Tinubu’s hands-on approach, noting that the president had postponed a scheduled G20 trip to South Africa to address security breaches in Kwara and Kebbi States. Tinubu also ordered heightened security deployments across the state to ensure the safety of citizens. Ajakaye extended the governor’s appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Department of State Services, the Nigerian Army, the Nigeria Intelligence Agency, and the Nigeria Police, which deployed four tactical teams under presidential directive. He also thanked local leaders, religious institutions, and residents for their support and cooperation during the crisis. On Sunday, CAC Oke-Isegun held its first church service since the attack, which left three people dead, 38 kidnapped, and several others injured. The service took place under tight security, with soldiers, SWAT, the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the Kwara Police, and local vigilantes present. During the service, church secretary Michael Agbabiaka clarified that 38 people were abducted, not the 60 reported on social media. He explained that the initial count included 35 members, with three additional non-members later confirmed among the victims. Agbabiaka also disclosed that the bandits initially demanded N100 million per victim, which was later negotiated down to N20 million each before communications with the kidnappers broke off on Friday. Despite the trauma, church leaders encouraged members to attend the service as an act of faith and resilience. Officiating pastor Bamidele Lawrence described the ordeal as a test of faith and said he received divine assurance that all abducted worshippers would return safely, likening their situation to the biblical trials of the Israelites. Congregants expressed gratitude for the safe return of the victims and for the ongoing security presence patrolling the town and the church.

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El-Rufai Alleges Kaduna Government Paid ₦1 Billion To Bandits, Sparks Outcry

Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has accused the current state administration of paying ₦1 billion to bandits, igniting a political controversy. Speaking at a recent public event, El-Rufai claimed the government has been not only making payments but also negotiating with and issuing apologies to criminal groups responsible for ongoing attacks across the state. “One billion naira was paid to bandits by the current Kaduna government. They are paying bandits and apologizing to them. If the governor or anyone disagrees, let them come out and deny it — we have the evidence and proof,” El-Rufai said. The allegations have drawn strong public reactions amid Kaduna’s persistent security challenges, which include killings, mass abductions, and attacks on schools and highways. Security experts warn that if the claims are confirmed, they could severely damage the credibility of the government’s security strategy. Residents and political observers are now calling for transparency and an official response from the state government regarding the handling of Kaduna’s security situation.

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Fifty Children Escape From Niger School Abductors As CAN Confirms 315 Taken

Fifty children who were among the hundreds abducted from St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, have successfully fled from their captors and returned to their families, according to a fresh update from the Christian Association of Nigeria. The children escaped in two waves between Friday and Saturday, prompting CAN officials to begin contacting parents directly to verify their return. The confirmation followed visits to several homes, where families reported that their children had shown up on their own after wandering away from the abductors. CAN explained that the primary section of the school has 430 pupils, including 377 boarders. After accounting for those who escaped and those who were never taken, authorities now say 236 pupils remain in captivity. They are being held alongside three children of staff members, 14 secondary school students, and 12 staff — a total of 253 people still missing. Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, who oversees the school, urged residents to remain calm and prayerful, noting that the situation is still unfolding. He assured the public that church leaders are working closely with security agencies, community heads and government officials to secure the release of every remaining hostage. The mass abduction happened on Friday when armed attackers overran the school. While early reports estimated 227 victims, a detailed verification carried out by CAN revealed that 315 people were actually taken — 303 students and 12 teachers. The corrected figure emerged after parents who initially believed their children had escaped later returned to report them missing. CAN’s checks showed that 88 of those students were captured while attempting to flee during the chaos of the attack.

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