NOA condemns abduction of Kebbi schoolgirls, attack on worshippers in Kwara

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has condemned the abduction of 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Kebbi State, as well as the violent attack and kidnapping of Christian worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.

In a statement issued on Thursday by the agency’s Deputy Director of Communication and Media, Paul Odenyi, NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described both incidents as unacceptable assaults on citizens’ rights and national cohesion.

Issa-Onilu said the abduction of schoolgirls was a “reprehensible act” that violates children’s rights to safety and education, stressing that such attacks undermine ongoing national efforts to promote learning, especially for the girl child.

“No child seeking education should ever be put at risk. Schools must remain safe spaces where children can learn, grow and aspire without fear,” he said.

The NOA DG also expressed deep condolences to victims of the attack on Christian worshippers in Eruku, describing the incident as “senseless and unacceptable.” He warned that acts targeting citizens based on their faith threaten Nigeria’s peace, unity, and longstanding religious harmony.

Issa-Onilu reaffirmed that freedom of worship is a constitutional right, adding that any attempt to intimidate or harm people because of their faith is unlawful and unpatriotic.

He assured Nigerians that, following the directive of President Bola Tinubu, security agencies are intensifying coordinated operations and intelligence efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted schoolgirls and worshippers.

“We urge Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely and useful information that can help protect lives and prevent further harm,” he added.

Issa-Onilu also noted that the NOA’s monthly National Security Briefing remains a platform for keeping citizens updated on progress recorded by security and regulatory agencies across the country. Is this conversation helpful so far?