US EditionWhy Schoolchildren Are Often Abducted in Nigeria and Who the Usual Kidnappers Are
Gunmen killed two staff and abducted 25 female students at a girls' boarding school; attacks target schools for ransom amid limited regional security, experts say.
- On Monday, gunmen invaded Government Girls' Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area, Kebbi State, killing the vice principal and a security guard and abducting 25 female students.
- Armed gangs and bandits often target schools as strategic sites, and analysts say abductions are for ransom, with many attackers being former herders or vulnerable youth; Last month President Bola Tinubu replaced security chiefs.
- Past mass kidnappings such as more than 300 seized in Zamfara in 2021 and 287 in Kaduna in 2024 demonstrate the precedent, with attacks often at night using motorbikes or military uniforms.
- The Bauchi State Government issued a statement of sympathy, calling the attack a painful setback while praising security agencies' rescue efforts and urging protection for affected families and learners.
- The raid comes as at least 1,500 students have been seized since the Chibok abduction, many freed only after ransoms were paid, and analysts say a surge in activity has strained security across northern Nigeria.
14 Articles
14 Articles
Why schoolchildren are often abducted in Nigeria and who the usual kidnappers are
ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria suffered its second mass school abduction this week with authorities confirming an attack on a Catholic school in the conflict-battered northern region of the country on Friday. A total of 303 schoolchildren and 12 teachers were abducted in Friday’s attack at St. Mary’s School in Niger state’s Papiri community. It wasn’t immediately confirmed who the attackers were. Local police said they have deployed a team to res…
Why schoolchildren are often abducted in Nigeria and who the usual kidnappers are
ABUJA, Nigeria — Nigeria suffered its second mass school abduction this week with authorities confirming an attack on a Catholic school in the conflict-battered northern region of the country on Friday. It wasn’t immediately confirmed who the attackers were or the number of students abducted at St. Mary’s School in Niger state’s Papiri community. Local media broadcaster Arise TV said that 52 schoolchildren were seized, and local police said they…
Why schoolchildren are often abducted in Nigeria and who the usual kidnappers are
Nigeria suffered its second mass school abduction this week with authorities confirming an attack on a Catholic school in the conflict-battered northern region of the country on Friday.
Why schoolchildren are often abducted in Nigeria and who the usual kidnappers are
Nigeria has suffered its second mass school abduction this week with authorities confirming an attack on a Catholic school in the north central Kebbi state. It wasn't immediately confirmed who the attackers are or the number of students abducted at…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Left
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
