The Muslim Public Affairs Centre has raised the alarm over what it describes as a frightening deterioration of security across the country, following a spate of violent attacks that have left citizens grieving and communities shaken.
In a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday, the organisation said the past week has laid bare the extent to which criminals and terror groups have grown bolder, highlighting an urgent need for coordinated and compassionate national leadership.
According to MPAC, at least five major incidents were recorded in the space of just one week. They include the killing of a Brigadier-General of the Nigerian Army by ISWAP fighters in the North-East, and the abduction of 25 schoolgirls from a secondary school in Kebbi State, where the Vice Principal was reportedly murdered while trying to shield his students.
Another attack occurred at a Christ Apostolic Church in Eruku, Kwara State, where worshippers were killed and several taken away by gunmen who stormed the premises during a religious gathering. In a separate incident, an All Progressives Congress chieftain was murdered and his family members abducted. Communities in Patigi, also in Kwara State, were further hit by a violent invasion in which terrorists killed a police officer and a vigilante, before abducting two traditional rulers.
The organisation noted that the situation has been equally dire in Zamfara State. On 7 October, bandits kidnapped 30 villagers from Zamfarawa in Bukkuyum Local Government Area. Less than two weeks later, on 18 October, another group of gunmen seized 73 residents from Buzugu and Rayau villages, also within Bukkuyum.
MPAC said these incidents form part of a wider pattern of mass kidnappings in the state, where more than 145 people have disappeared within just four days, including students and worshippers.
The group warned that the trend reflects a dangerous escalation, demonstrating the growing confidence of criminals who now target schools, communities, places of worship, and even senior military officers with little fear of consequence.
MPAC condemned the killings and kidnappings “unequivocally,” insisting that each attack represents a life cut short, a family torn apart, and a nation traumatised. It described the murder of a military officer, the abduction of young girls, and the desecration of a church as acts that “strike at the heart of our collective humanity” and underscore Nigeria’s failure in its basic duty to protect its people.
The organisation stressed that citizen safety cannot be treated as optional, and urged the Government to rise to the challenge with urgency.
MPAC outlined a number of steps it believes the Federal Government and security agencies must take immediately. These include intensifying rescue efforts for all victims of kidnapping, boosting security presence in schools across high-risk zones, and strengthening military intelligence to prevent unnecessary exposure of personnel to insurgent ambushes.
The group also called for improved protection for religious centres and the formal adoption of traditional rulers as Community Security Advisors under a renewed counter-terrorism strategy.
Additionally, MPAC urged the integration of vigilante groups and forest guards into the national security framework, alongside more consistent and transparent communication with citizens to rebuild public trust.
The organisation warned that the continued cycle of killings and abductions threatens Nigeria’s stability and unity, offering fertile ground for actors who wish to see the country unravel.
It reiterated its commitment to advocating for justice, strong institutions, and the protection of life, adding that Nigeria’s path to peace demands courageous leadership and national resolve.
The statement was signed by Disu Kamor, Executive Chairman of MPAC.
