Gunmen Strike Again: 15 Pupils Kidnapped from School in Nigeria
In yet another horrifying incident, gunmen have struck a school in Nigeria, kidnapping at least 15 pupils. This comes just days after approximately 300 children were abducted in a separate armed raid. The incident took place in the Sokoto village of Gidan Bakuso, located in the country’s north-west region.
The assailants forcefully entered the school premises during the early hours of Saturday, creating chaos and panic among the students. Liman Abubakar Bakuso, the owner of the school, recounted the terrifying ordeal. “They succeeded in abducting 15 of my students, the oldest being 20 and 15, but all the others are below 13,” he said. A woman was also taken captive during the raid.
The news of this latest abduction has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving parents and authorities in a state of panic. Bakuso expressed his deep concern for the safety of the kidnapped children and pleaded for their swift release. “We are in a state of panic and have been praying hard for their safe release,” he shared with Reuters.
Unfortunately, the local police have not yet provided any official comment or response regarding the incident. This lack of immediate action raises concerns about the effectiveness of security measures in the region.
It is important to note that school kidnappings in Nigeria were initially carried out by the notorious jihadist group Boko Haram. Their most infamous attack occurred a decade ago when they abducted over 200 students from a girls’ school in Chibok, Borno state, sparking global outrage. However, it appears that criminal gangs without any ideological affiliation have now adopted this tactic as well, primarily driven by financial motives.
Authorities attribute the rise in these kidnappings to the stretched resources of Nigeria’s security forces. The ongoing battle against an Islamist insurgency in the north-east has left large areas unpoliced, allowing armed gangs to operate freely. The situation has created a breeding ground for criminal activities, including kidnappings for ransom.
In a separate incident in Kaduna, the state governor revealed that at least 28 of the schoolchildren abducted earlier in the week had managed to escape their captors. This glimmer of hope amidst the darkness serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of these young individuals.
Prior to the recent abduction in Kaduna, Nigeria had experienced a brief lull in mass kidnappings from schools since July 2021 when around 150 students were seized by armed men. However, the latest incidents highlight the persistent threat faced by educational institutions and the urgent need for enhanced security measures.
As the nation grapples with these recurring acts of violence, it is crucial for authorities to prioritize the safety and well-being of Nigerian children. The international community must also stand in solidarity with Nigeria, offering support and assistance in combating this alarming trend.
The fate of the kidnapped pupils hangs in the balance, and their families anxiously await news of their release. It is a race against time to ensure their safe return and to prevent further tragedies from unfolding.