A surge in militant attacks on educational institutions in Nigeria has led to the distressing news that over 80 children are currently missing, raising alarms about the safety of students nationwide.
Local authorities and human rights advocates report that militants targeted a primary school in Borno State, specifically in the areas of Askira Uba and Chibok, abducting a significant number of children between Wednesday and Thursday.
Amnesty International indicated that this attack took place in Mussa village, close to the Sambisa Forest, a known hideout for Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
Officials have confirmed that at least 42 children were kidnapped during the Borno State assault, underscoring the persistent threat from armed militant groups in northern Nigeria.
In another incident, armed assailants stormed two secondary schools in Oyo State on Friday, abducting at least 40 students in two separate raids just hours apart. Amnesty International further noted that the number of missing children in Oyo could reach as high as 48, as families await news of their loved ones.
The police in Oyo State arrested three suspects linked to the attacks, identified through community assistance. Security investigations continue to explore potential involvement of other suspects.
Human rights groups have cited that repeated attacks on schools are causing many children to forgo education. In certain areas, families are reportedly resorting to arranging early marriages for girls due to increasing fears of kidnapping and violence.
Kidnappings for ransom have become a growing security dilemma in Nigeria, as armed groups frequently target schools to instill fear, attract media attention, and demand ransom payments.
