Reports indicate that bandits have raided a government girls’ comprehensive secondary school in Maga, Kebbi State, Nigeria, kidnapping an unknown number of students. The incident occurred when the attackers, armed and on motorcycles, overpowered the security personnel guarding the school.
Although there has been no official statement from the school authority, security agencies, or state and federal government, sources confirm the abduction. This incident highlights the growing security crisis in Nigeria, where schools have become vulnerable targets for bandits.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed a surge in kidnappings, with over 1,683 school children abducted between 2014 and 2022, according to Save the Children International. The Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping in 2014, where over 276 girls were abducted, remains a stark reminder of the insecurity plaguing the country.
Recent Kidnappings in Nigeria:
– Kaduna State Attack: In March 2024, 287 students were kidnapped from a government school in Kuriga town, Kaduna State. The kidnappers demanded a N1 billion ransom, sparking widespread concern.
– Zamfara State Abduction: In September 2023, 24 students were kidnapped from the Federal University of Gusau in Zamfara State.
The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its handling of security issues, with many calling for increased measures to protect schools and students. As the situation continues to unfold, families of the abducted students remain anxious for their safe return.