Crystal Dike
The United States has condemned the abduction of students and teachers in Niger State and the earlier kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, describing the attacks as unacceptable and demanding swift justice.
In a statement on Monday, posted via its X handle, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs urged the Federal Government to apprehend the perpetrators and strengthen security for vulnerable communities, including Christian populations.
“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 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.”
Gunmen had attacked Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State, on November 17, killing Vice Principal Hassan Makuku, and abducting at least 24 students. On November 21, another group of gunmen invaded St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, kidnapping 303 students and 12 teachers. The Christian Association of Nigeria later confirmed the figures after conducting a headcount of missing persons. Fifty students reportedly escaped and reunited with their families. The attacks reflect a resurgence of school-targeted violence reminiscent of the 2014 Chibok abductions.
In response, the Federal Government has launched rescue operations across affected states. President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate efforts to recover the abducted schoolgirls.
Governments in Niger, Katsina, Plateau, and Bauchi states have since ordered the closure of multiple schools to prevent further incidents.