The United Nations has strongly condemned recent mass abductions of students and teachers in Niger and Kebbi states, Nigeria, calling for urgent actions to secure their safe release. According to a statement by UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, more than 300 pupils and a dozen teachers were forcibly taken in coordinated attacks that have shocked the nation and the international community.
The most recent incident occurred at St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, where gunmen kidnapped 303 students and 12 teachers. This follows an earlier abduction in Kebbi State’s Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, where at least 25 students were abducted, and a teacher was tragically killed.
The UN reaffirmed that schools must remain sanctuaries of learning protected from violence, urging authorities and all stakeholders to prioritize the immediate and safe return of the abducted children. The organization highlighted ongoing coordination with UNICEF and other agencies working closely with affected families.
Stéphane Dujarric emphasized the urgency of implementing the Safe Schools Declaration to ensure protective measures are in place for educational institutions during conflict and insecurity. The UN’s call to action adds weight to growing domestic and international pressure on the Nigerian government to combat recurring kidnappings and restore stability in the affected regions.
In response to the crisis, the Nigerian government announced the closure of over 40 federal unity colleges nationwide to safeguard students amid escalating threats. Community leaders and religious organizations continue to advocate for stronger security and humanitarian interventions to end the cycle of violence.
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