Nigeria, Feb. 24 -- The two contiguous states of Niger, Kwara and to some extent Kogi have been at the short end of the security spectrum for long, witnessing killings and kidnappings for ransom without much searchlight beamed on them. Not until the attack on St Mary Catholic School in remote Papiri community in Niger State, where over 300 children and teachers were taken away, did we realise the overwhelming security challenge in that part of the country. It was soon followed by a bandit attack on a church in Kogi West, where armed men kidnapped at least 13 people.

And despite President Donald Trump's Christian genocide rhetoric, the most brazen offensive against defenceless citizens took place. From mass abduction, the situation turne...