Gunmen have abducted an undetermined number of students and staff from a Catholic boarding school in Niger State, Nigeria. Arise TV reports suggest that up to 52 students may have been taken. The attack has prompted a massive search operation, with police and army teams deployed to scour nearby forests for the victims.
This incident comes on the heels of a similar attack in Kebbi State, where 25 schoolgirls were kidnapped, and a church attack in Kwara State, which led to the closure of over 50 schools due to security concerns. The recent surge in violence has prompted President Bola Tinubu to cancel his foreign trips to South Africa and Angola, prioritizing the national response to these security challenges.
The kidnappings have raised concerns about the worsening insecurity in northern Nigeria, particularly in schools. This is not an isolated incident, as Nigeria has experienced a string of mass kidnappings in recent years, often targeting schools and other vulnerable communities. The government has come under pressure to take decisive action to address the security crisis and protect its citizens.
In response to the crisis, security forces are working tirelessly to rescue the abducted students and bring the perpetrators to justice. The international community is watching closely, hoping for a swift resolution to this crisis.