NOA Decries Kebbi, Kwara Attacks, Says Insecurity Threatens National Harmony

NOA Decries Kebbi, Kwara Attacks, Says Insecurity Threatens National Harmony

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has condemned the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Kebbi State, and the violent attack on Christian worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State, describing both incidents as alarming threats to national peace and collective safety.

Director-General of the Agency, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, in a statement issued on Thursday, said the abduction of the students was a reprehensible assault on the rights of children to safety and education. He said such criminal actions undermine ongoing national efforts to improve access to education, especially for the girl-child.

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

Issa-Onilu also condemned the attack on Christian worshippers in Kwara, describing it as a “senseless and unacceptable act” that threatens the peace and religious harmony Nigerians have built over decades. He extended his condolences to victims and their families and warned that any act of violence targeted at worshippers strikes at the core of constitutional freedoms.

“Freedom of worship is a fundamental right. Any attempt to intimidate or harm citizens on the basis of their faith is unlawful and deeply unpatriotic,” he added.

The NOA boss assured Nigerians that in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, security agencies are intensifying coordinated operations and intelligence efforts to ensure the safe and swift rescue of the abducted schoolgirls and the worshippers.

Speaking on ongoing national efforts to counter insecurity, Issa-Onilu highlighted the Agency’s monthly National Security Briefing as one of the measures aimed at keeping citizens updated on progress recorded by security and regulatory agencies nationwide.

He appealed to Nigerians to support security agencies with timely information that could help prevent further attacks and protect communities across the country.