The United States has strongly condemned the recent mass abductions of students and teachers in Niger and Kebbi States, urging Nigerian authorities to act quickly to rescue the victims and bring the attackers to justice.
In a statement released on Monday via its official X handle, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs described the kidnappings as crimes that must not go unpunished. It called on the Nigerian government to strengthen security, especially in vulnerable communities, including Christian areas.
The U.S. highlighted two major incidents: the kidnapping of over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, and the earlier abduction of 25 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, in Kebbi State. The bureau stressed that Nigerians deserve to live, learn, and practice their faith without fear.
The Kebbi attack occurred on November 17 when gunmen invaded the school, killed the vice principal, Hassan Makuku, and abducted at least 25 girls. Four days later, armed men raided St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State, taking more than 300 students and 12 teachers. About 50 students have managed to return home.
The incidents have intensified concerns over the rising trend of attacks on educational institutions, drawing parallels to the 2014 Chibok schoolgirl kidnapping that shocked the world.
