…as states down learning centres over heightening fears of abductions.
MINNA, NIGERIA — The iNews Times | Anxiety has swept through the country as parents, teachers and school owners continue to express deep concern over the rising wave of school abductions in Northern Nigeria, and the uncertain fate of more than 327 pupils kidnapped in Kebbi and Niger states.
In the past week alone, heavily armed groups have launched multiple attacks on schools, forcing states to shut down learning centres and heightening fears that no institution is safe.
The latest crisis began on Monday when 26 schoolgirls were abducted from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State. While two escaped, 24 remain in captivity.
By Friday, Niger State was thrown into chaos as the number of abducted pupils and teachers, initially estimated at 227, rose to 303 students and 12 staff members following a headcount at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri.
Despite assurances from state governments and security agencies that rescue efforts are underway, there is no confirmed information on the whereabouts of the children.
The Chairman of the National Proprietors of Private Schools, Otubela Abayomi, said the developments represent a major setback to national progress.
“It is a matter of grave concern to us,” he told this reporter. “It seems there is no end to the kidnapping of children and workers within schools. This is not a good omen for national development as those who are supposed to lead the country in the future are being denied quality education.”
Abayomi described the ongoing situation as “saddening” and “painful,” adding that the association’s National Executive Committee would meet to discuss urgent safety strategies. “We are grieving. One man’s problem is everybody’s problem,” he said.
The President of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, Haruna Danjuma, called the situation “scary,” warning that parents are losing faith in the ability of authorities to protect schools.
“We want the Federal Government to ensure that those kidnapped are rescued and brought back home,” he said. “It’s like the bandits planned ahead to outsmart our security agencies. We don’t want a repeat of the Chibok girls.”
Survivor Accounts Reveal Three-Hour Attack
More details emerged from Papiri, where St. Mary’s Catholic schools were invaded in the early hours of the morning. In a video on social media, the school principal, Rev. Sr. Felicia Gyang, recounted how armed bandits broke through multiple gates as terrified children screamed.
“The incident happened past 12,” she said. “We heard the noise of motorbikes and cars, and then heavy bangs on our gates. Before we knew it, children were crying everywhere.”
Gyang said the attackers came in large numbers, moving from room to room. Attempts to reach security operatives failed.
“We tried calling the DPO, but we couldn’t get through,” she said.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirmed the attack occurred between 1am and 3am. In a statement signed by Rev. Fr. Jatau Joseph, the diocese said a security guard was shot during the invasion.
Survivors reportedly said the attackers operated “aggressively,” spending almost three hours inside the school before herding abductees into vans and motorcycles.
The diocese dismissed rumours that the principal had travelled or ignored prior warnings, insisting, “The information circulating that we failed to adhere to warnings to shut down boarding facilities is not accurate.”
No Contact from Kidnappers – CAN
The Niger State Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Bulus Yohanna, confirmed that families had not been contacted.
“No, no contact of such,” he said, adding that parents and school officials were “traumatised.”
States Take Drastic Measures
The wave of abductions has prompted a swift response from several states.
In Niger, Governor Mohammed Bago ordered the closure of all public and private schools.
“All missionary, Islamic schools and Federal Government Colleges, including FGC Minna, have been shut down until further notice,” his spokesperson, Bologi Ibrahim, announced.
Kebbi State also directed students of three tertiary institutions to vacate campuses immediately, citing safety precautions.
In Adamawa, boarding schools, both public and private were ordered to operate temporarily as day schools.
Other states including Kwara, Plateau, Katsina and Taraba have adopted similar measures in recent weeks, reflecting growing concern about the security of educational institutions.
The Federal Ministry of Education, however, clarified that it did not issue any nationwide school closure directive on November 24.
As rescue operations continue, the nation remains on edge, with parents pleading for swift action and communities bracing for further threats. For now, the fate of hundreds of children hangs painfully in the balance.
