Nigeria's School Kidnappings: A Growing Crisis

Recent School Abduction in Niger State

• 50 out of 303 students escaped from a Catholic school in Niger state.
• 253 students and 12 teachers remain in captivity.
• Ages of victims: 10 to 18 years old.

Church Attack in Kwara State

• 38 worshippers kidnapped during a church attack were freed.
• Two people killed in the attack on Tuesday.
• President Bola Tinubu credited security agencies for their release.

Ongoing Security Challenges

• Five police officers killed in an ambush in Bauchi state.
• Two other officers injured while responding to a farmer-herder conflict.

International Attention and Condemnation

• Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sadness over the Niger state abduction.
• Called for immediate release of hostages and swift action from authorities.

Rise in School Kidnappings

• At least 1,500 students seized since the Chibok schoolgirls' kidnapping.
• Many released after ransom payments.

Recent Attacks in Northern Nigeria

• 25 schoolchildren kidnapped in Kebbi state days before the Niger state attack.
• Remote communities frequently targeted due to limited government presence.

Government Response

• Niger state closed all schools.
• Federal colleges in conflict areas also shut down.
• President Tinubu vowed to free all hostages and ensure safety for Nigerians.