The United States has strongly criticised the recent wave of school abductions in Niger and Kebbi states, describing the incidents as unacceptable acts that must not go unpunished.
In a statement released on Monday through its X handle, the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs called on the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators and safeguard vulnerable communities, including Christian populations.
According to the statement, the attacks—which include the abduction of more than 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, and the earlier kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State—underscore the urgent need for reinforced security measures.
“The United States condemns the mass abduction of reportedly over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria, and the kidnapping, just days before, of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State,” the statement read. “Those responsible for these crimes must be swiftly captured and held accountable. The Nigerian government must act decisively and do more to protect Christians and ensure Nigerians can live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror.”
Noblequestdaily had earlier reported that armed attackers struck Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga on November 17, killing the vice principal, Hassan Makuku, and abducting at least 24 female students.
Just four days later, on November 21, gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, taking away 303 students and 12 teachers. While initial figures were unclear, the Christian Association of Nigeria confirmed the numbers following a detailed census of those missing.
Authorities disclosed that 50 students managed to escape captivity and reunite with their families.
The incidents highlight a troubling resurgence of attacks on educational institutions in Nigeria, drawing parallels with the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping by Boko Haram.
In response, the Federal Government has launched multiple rescue efforts across affected states. President Bola Tinubu on Thursday directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to move to Kebbi State to oversee security operations aimed at rescuing the abducted schoolgirls.
Several state governments, including those of Niger, Katsina, Plateau, and Bauchi, have since ordered the closure of numerous schools to forestall further attacks.
