The United States has condemned the recent abductions of students and teachers in Niger and Kebbi States, calling for the prompt capture and prosecution of those responsible.
In a statement issued Monday via its X handle, the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs described the attacks as serious crimes that must not go unpunished.
The statement highlighted the mass abduction of over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, and the kidnapping of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. The U.S. urged the Nigerian government to strengthen security measures and ensure the protection of vulnerable communities, including Christians.
According to the report, the Kebbi incident occurred on November 17, when gunmen stormed the school in Maga, killing the vice principal, Hassan Makuku, and abducting at least 25 students. The attack shocked the community and intensified concerns over school security in northern Nigeria.
Four days later, armed men raided St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Agwara LGA of Niger State, abducting more than 300 students and 12 teachers. Authorities reported that 50 students have since managed to escape and reunite with their families, but the majority remain in captivity.
The U.S. statement emphasized that those responsible must be held accountable, saying, “Nigerians must be able to live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror.” The message reflects growing international concern over insecurity affecting educational institutions in Nigeria.
These incidents mark a surge in school-targeted attacks, recalling the 2014 Chibok kidnapping of 276 girls by Boko Haram. Analysts warn that without decisive action, such attacks could further threaten the safety of students and teachers across the region.
