The mass abduction of the 276 Chibok Schoolgirls in April 2014 marked a milestone in the advance of jihadist terrorism in Nigeria. Because politicians and activists successfully weaponised it against the regime of former President Goodluck Jonathan, the terrorists realised what a powerful instrument of blackmail it was.

As a result, Nigeria, unlike any other country in the world, has experienced over 20 school abductions in the past eleven years, added to other non-school mass abductions adopted by the North-West bandit groups. These groups have prospered and proliferated as a result of the huge ransoms they receive through “peace negotiations” with state governors. 

In just one week, not less than five attacks and abductions took place in several parts of the North: Eruku in Kwara State, where 38 church members were swept away to captivity; Girls Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, with 25 schoolgirls captured and Catholic School abductions, Papiri, Niger State with a record 315 school children captured. Other non-school abductions took place in Zalau, Bauchi State and Askira Uba in Borno State during the same period.

The school abductions, coming at a time when other killings in Nigeria have attracted global attention, put bigger pressures on the Nigerian government, which ordered immediate closure of its 41 unity schools nationwide. Also, eight states in the North: Niger, Kebbi, Katsina, Kwara, Taraba, Plateau and Benue, announced the closure of schools. More states may follow. 

The sad irony of it all is that in taking this necessary step to prevent further abductions, we are playing right into the hands of these demonic terrorists and bandits, some of which have sworn to eradicate Western education in the North and Nigeria as a whole. Many of these schools may be forced to remain closed until security is restored. Otherwise we will only return to the same danger.

We wish to warn that what is happening in the North could spread to the South unless immediate steps are taken to checkmate the steady influx of these well-funded and supported agents of national destruction. The motorcycle stampede by suspected criminal elements that took place in Owerri a day before IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was sentenced, clearly shows that their sleeper cells are already embedded throughout the South, waiting for orders.

We have to admit that the Federal Government alone can no longer protect all Nigerians, more so as fifth columnists appear to have infiltrated its ranks and those of the armed forces. They need help.

We urge the Governors to take responsibility, reprioritise in favour of security and mobilise the people to assist the security forces to crush the invaders.

If we wait for the sleeper cells to strike first, we may be too late.