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When School Becomes a Target: The Rising Tide of Mass Kidnappings
By Daudu Agaba Andrew Samuel
In the early hours of Friday morning at about 02:00 am local time, the quiet halls of St. Mary’s Catholic school in Niger state were shattered when armed men stormed the compound and seized more than 300 students and teachers. Children as young as ten were marched into the night, leaving behind abandoned sandals, scattered notebooks and a community drowning in fear. It is the latest attack in a wave of mass abductions that is turning Nigerian classrooms into danger zones. Twelve employees and 215 pupils were captured during the early-morning raid, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
The incident in Niger State is part of a troubling trend that has gotten worse over the last ten years. Since the notorious kidnappings of Chibok in 2014, armed groups have discovered that schools present a vulnerable target because they are remote, have little security, and are home to children whose families will stop at nothing to secure their release. Since then, more than 2,000 children are thought to have been abducted from classrooms throughout Nigeria, with the North-West, Middle belt (North Central), and portions of the North-East experiencing the majority of these cases. Numerous schools, particularly those in isolated areas remain vulnerable to the potential of attack despite the introduction of safety measures and increased security personnel by federal and provincial authorities. According to witnesses of the attack in St. Mary’s Catholic School, the assailants arrived on motorbikes, intimidated staff by firing intermittently into the air, and then drove over 300 students and twelve teachers into the nearby woodland. Security personnel pursued the perpetrators, but they were unable to stop the mass kidnapping according to local officials. Following the incident, hundreds of families are still anxiously awaiting updates, and classes have been delayed indefinitely.
Nigeria, has faced a renewed wave of attacks by armed groups in recent days, including the kidnapping of more than 20 schoolgirls, from a boarding school in neighboring Kebbi State. A church was also attacked further south, in Kwara state, with two people killed and 38 abducted while the service was being broadcast online.
According to experts, the most recent kidnapping is a part of the North’s changing insecurity picture rather than an isolated incident. What started out as isolated rebel attacks has developed into an organized criminal economy where kidnapping students ensures attention and money. Due to their frequent absence of early warning systems and perimeter fencing, rural schools are particularly vulnerable. Over 1,680 students were kidnapped in roughly 70 school attacks between April 2014 and December 2022, according to UNICEF and Save the Children International. The bodies indicate that around 180 children were killed, 90 were injured, and over 90 are still unaccounted for. UNICEF and Save the Children International estimated that around the same time period, some sixty school employees were also abducted. Other experts indicate that between January 2023 and November 2025, Nigeria has recorded 22 attacks on educational institutions, with 816 students kidnapped. Only confirmed instances reported by police and eyewitnesses are included in these numbers.
The impact of these numbers on Nigerians, lies widespread trauma. Parents withdraw their children because safety is no longer ensured and assured and many children refuse to go back to school out of fear. According to UNICEF, over a million Nigerian Children have expressed a fear of going to school because of insecurity. Approximately 11, 500 schools were closed in 2020 alone. Survivors frequently experience psychological distress, social humiliation and interrupted schooling. Many children are left without the assistance they require because reintegration services are limited and inadequate.
In response to the rising wave of school kidnappings, the State and Federal authorities strongly condemn each big kidnapping and pledge to launch rescue efforts. Security deployments and task force formation are examples of quick reactions. Following the recent attacks on Kebbi President Tinubu ordered the Minister of Defence to move to the state. However, these responses haven’t always resulted in consistent action. While some rescues have been swift and well-planned, others have been drawn out or unfinished. The government’s strategy, according to analysis, has lacked cohesion and long-term planning.
The latest abduction at St. Mary’s Catholic School serves as a sobering reminder that Nigerian students still face unthinkable dangers just by attending school. In addition to causing acute trauma to kids and their families, these attacks jeopardize education’s larger purpose by undermining communities and impeding future growth. Experts and civil society organizations emphasize the urgent need for a combination of better-funded security measures, enhanced intelligence, community involvement, and uniform enforcement of safety regulations.
Daudu Agaba, is a graduate of International Relations from Covenant University and a serving Corp member with the institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), Abuja.
And can be reached via: agabadaudu@gmail.com
November 25, 2025
FG Increases Unity Colleges’ Fees From ₦45,000 To ₦100,000
The Federal Government has increased school fees for Federal Government Colleges (FGCs), otherwise known as Federal Unity Colleges, from ₦45,000 to ₦100,000.
This was contained in a directive from the Office of the Director of Senior Secondary Education Department of the Federal Ministry of Education, reference number ADF/120/DSSE/I, dated 25th May 2023 and addressed to all principals of Federal Unity Colleges.
According to the circular entitled “Approved fees/ charges for Federal Unity Colleges (1st Term) for new students,” signed by the Director of Senior Secondary Education, Hajia Binta Abdulkadir, new students are expected to part with ₦100,000 instead of the previous ₦45,000.
The latest fees/charge increment will affect virtually all aspects and activities of the school, including tuition and boarding fees, uniforms, textbooks, deposit, exercise books, prospectus, caution fees, ID cards, stationery, clubs and societies, sports, extra lesson, insurance, among others.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives had on July 11, urged the Federal Government to reverse the increment of school fees in all federal government-owned secondary schools.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Saidu Abdullahi (APC, Niger) and Kama Nkemkanma (LP, Ebonyi).
Nkemkanma had while moving the motion said the increment was causing untold hardship for students.
July 22, 2023
New Generation Sponsors 30 Children To Primary Schools
By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
A none governmental Organization, Arkilla New Generation has this session sponsors 30 Children to Muhammad Bidda Model Primary School Arkilla .
They were admitted on the 02/11/2021 to primary level under the sponsorship of Arkiilla Youth Association Arkilla in collaboration the office of the District Head of Arkilla Alhaji Hassan Aliyu and chief imam Mal Abdullahi.
All these children were sorted out from various locations across Arkilla district.
The choice of the children was conducted and the guidance of the district head, Alh Aliyu Hassan Arkilla,Magajin Arkilla, Alhaji Muhammad Cbede and the Chief Imam of Arkiilla, Malam Abdullahi.
November 5, 2022
ASUU: It’s Unacceptable To Still Have Schools Closed After Many Months – Bishop Kukah
The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Mathew Kukah, has said it is unacceptable that Nigerian Universities are still closed after so many months.
Bishop Kukah who stated this on Wednesday at the signing of a peace accord ahead of the Osun State gubernatorial election, asserted that the prolonged strike does not speak well of the democracy we profess to be practicing.
“This is unacceptable especially as these things are happening in a democracy,” Kukah insisted.
The cleric said it is quite sad that the strike has lasted this long particularly because democracy has always given the people a platform for negotiation, consensus and several other means for solving such issues as exist between the government and the authorities of the various universities.
He said Nigeria must come to understand that without the universities giving opportunities for academic energy, analysis, and theorizing; it is impossible for the nation’s democracy to grow.
The bishop asserted that the most important thing for political actors at this moment, is to take their responsibilities sufficiently serious. According to him, all Nigerians must at this time try to make the nation’s democracy work.
Bishop Kukah said it is sad that increasingly the country is witnessing a transition from democratic rule to plutocracy.
In his view, “the share amount of money that is being spent not just in campaigns but in just picking a piece of paper to declare intension to participate, is not acceptable”.
“Majority of our people remain hungry and sick and we cannot be flaunting this wealth in a democracy, because if that is the system we wanted, we will call it a plutocracy in which case only rich men and women can participate in the process,” the cleric admonished.
He encouraged the political actors to act on the need to expand the frontiers of freedom to participate in the processes concerning the country.
Bishop Kukah called on Nigerians to come out and vote when the elections get underway, stressing that the urgency of fixing the nation is tied to the process of governance adopted in the constitution.
The bishop was of the opinion that whereas the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) can provide a level playing field, it is the conduct and behaviour the political players that determines how the game is going to be played.
On that premise, Kukah appealed to members of the political class to make it possible for citizens to love and trust them and to show that by choosing democracy, the people have chosen to live.
July 13, 2022
Adamawa: 1,451 Out of School girls been re-enrolled back to School
By Musa Isa Ahmed
No fewer than 1,451 out-of-school girls in Adamawa State have been re-enrolled back to school by the African Center for Leadership Strategy and Development, (Center LSD).
The Center was supported by Malala fund to run a three year project christened Community Led Action for Girl Child Education (C-CAGE) aimed at enrolling out-of-school girls back to school.
Making the disclosure, Thursday, at a one day sub national summit on girl child education and premiere of the C-CAGE documentary in Yola, the executive director of Center LSD, Monday Osasah, said, the girls were drawn from the three focal local governments across the three senatorial zones of the state.
The local governments are; Numan, Maiha and Song local governments.
Osasah said 577 girls were enrolled back to school in Numan local government while 360 were enrolled back to school in Song LG just as 514 girls from Maiha local council were enrolled back to school.
noted that a total of 25 safe space centres were established in the three local governments for the learning of basic numeracy and vocational skills respectively.
Osasah added that the Centre with support from Malala Fund has opened registers of out-of-school children in the palaces of traditional rulers for regular and onward forwarding to schools reiterating that already 7 of these girls from safe space have written West African Council Examination and JAMB.
He expressed gratitude with the support and cooperation of Adamawa state government since the inception of the project in the state since March 2019 and ended in June 2022 (3 years down).
“Today’s summit themed “Girl Child Education; A Veritable tool for development, is organised to reinforce the necessity of training the girl child and to highlight the need for you seated here to join or continue the advocacy to advancing girl child education,” he said.
Earlier in his speech chairperson of the occasion and Deputy Speaker Adamawa state House Of Assembly, Hon. Pwamakaino Mackondo said the project aim is to increase enrolment retention and completion of girl education in the 3 focal councils in our state.
While appreciating the complimentary role of the state government, Mackondo enjoined the parents and benefitting girls to ensure continuation of the project for the benefit of the girl child.
Our Correspondent reports that most of the stakeholders commended the efforts of the Centre for providing hope and confidence to the beneficiaries who initially dropped out of school due peculiar challenges they faced but were given another chance by Center LSD.
June 23, 2022
State Government To Constructs Perimeter Wall In School
By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal Matawallen Sokoto has direct the immediate construction of perimeter wall at the northern part of Sultan Ibrahim Dasuki Model Primary School in Sokoto South Local Government.
Executive Chairman State Universal Basic Education Board Alhaji Altine Shehu Kajiji who announced the development said the governor’s prompt intervention followed phone call with the number one citizen in the state to intimate him on the unhealthy nature of some parts of the school after his unscheduled visit there.
Kajiji further noted that a contractor has since been directed to immediately start the fencing work in addition to construction of two toilets for the female teachers of the JSS section of the school.
The SUBEB BOSS explained that if completed the perimeter wall will serve as security to the school by preventing trespassers access into it’s premises and defecate.
March 5, 2022
Resumption of Schools: Oyo Govt. Not Impressed with Low Turnout in Schools
The Oyo State Government has said it is not impressed with the low turnout of students in public schools across the State, as students resume for the 2021\2022 second term academic activities.
The Executive Chairman, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr. Nureni Aderemi Adeniran stated this during an inspection of resumption in Primary schools in Ibadan metropolis on Monday.
Dr. Adeniran who visited some schools in Ido, Ibadan North, Ibadan South-West, Ibadan North-West Local Government Areas of Ibadan, alongside a team from the Board, observed that while some public schools in the axis had teachers on the ground, many pupils were yet to resume for school activities.
“There are some schools where we didn’t meet a substantial number of students in classes. We are using this opportunity to appeal to parents to release their children and wards to resume for normal activities, which has commenced”.
He said Oyo State Government’s policy is that Head teachers and teachers must hold pre-resumption meetings before commencement of academic activities.
Dr. Adeniran therefore frowned at some schools holding such meetings during school hours, at the detriment of the pupils in classrooms.
The OYOSUBEB Boss therefore sternly warned school head teachers to desist from such acts, urging them to monitor the activities of teachers and pupils in their various schools.
The Chairman, further urged Heads of Public schools to commence academic activities immediately, and ensure all covid-19 prevention protocols are adhered to in schools.
Dr. Adeniran opined that early commencement of academic activities would enable schools in the State to cover the syllabus, adding that it would help with quality and standard learning outcome.
“Henceforth, teachers should enforce compliance to all COVID-19 protocols. They should use nose-masks and provide water and soap”, he said.
January 10, 2022
Insecurity: Schools Shut Down In Niger Over Planned Banditry Attacks
The Chairman, Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State, Danjuma Suleiman Nalango, has ordered the closure of all public and private primary, secondary and tertiary schools in the local government area over a planned banditry attack on schools to abduct school children in Zungeru and neighbouring communities.
The Council Chairman told our correspondent via telephone that there was an intelligence report by the security agencies that armed bandits in their numbers were planning to strike in the day at Niger State Polytechnic and Government Girls Day Secondary School, both located in the outskirt of Zungeru town.
He said the measure was to avoid a repeat of what happened in Tegina where Islamiyyh pupils were abducted.
“The decision to close the schools was as a result of banditry activities in the local government.
“The security agencies brought to my notice and even that of the governor that they have intercepted communication on a plan to abduct school children in my local government.
“And the communication they intercepted particularly pointed to Zungeru as the area of the planned attack.
“Although yesterday (Saturday), I was told that the kingpin had been arrested. The communication was highly classified. But they intercepted that communication and even the time that they were going to strike.
“So, it was duty-bound for us as representative of the people, we sat down myself in my capacity as the council chairman, the security agencies and we resolved that proactive measure should be taken before any damage is done.
“We wouldn’t want what happened in Tegina to repeat itself. So, we closed down even private schools,” the council chairman said.
He, however, noted that: “We know the inconveniences considering the importance of education, especially now that schools were about to write their promotion examinations. But having analysed that particular threat, we believed it was better for us to close the schools temporarily to allow security operatives to continue to conduct their operations because we don’t know when they will strike because they even said they will strike in the afternoon, about 300 of them will strike precisely at 4pm.
“For bandits to tell you that they will strike in broad daylight, that tells you the magnitude and the number at which they will enter Zungeru and overwhelm everybody. So, we are trying to avoid what happened in Tegina.”
Nalango said Zungeru in particular had been threatened by bandits in recent times.
One of the incidents was the abduction of the Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Transport.
While pointing out that “no school is safe in Zungeru, they can enter anywhere,” he said the schools would be reopened if the security situation in the area improves, and appeal to parents and school proprietors for understanding.
December 19, 2021
FULL LIST: Names of teenage cultists that allegedly killed Sylvester of Dowen college unearthed
The names of teenage cultists gang that allegedly murdered innocent Sylvester of Dowen has been revealed by Gistlover blog on microblogging platform, twitter
The father revealed that, his son was fed with a black unidentified liquid, lour correspondents reported
According the Gist lover blog, the names are:
Michael windoku
2. Angel Temile
3. Favour Benjamin 4. Edward Brown
5. Agboro Emmanuel
A source noted that,
“Michael Windoku was a very stubborn kid he bullied his classmates but it was very light bullying because the school didn’t tolerate bullying at all or seniors dealing with annoying juniors. Teachers as well we’re prohibited from flogging children. I always dealt with him anytime I saw him bullying”
“Really rough kid I believe he was part. He recently told some of his former classmates he’s innocent. I’m still trying to get his contacts but I haven’t been able to”
the source added
December 5, 2021
Insurgency, Banditry Forcing Children Out Of School – Presidency
The Presidency has lamented the impact of insurgency and banditry on school attendance in the country.
Chief of Staff to the President, Ibrahim Gambari said this on Tuesday at the fourth International Conference on Safe Schools Declaration in Abuja. Gambari, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari at the event, blamed increased insurgency and banditry for the rise in the number of out-of-school children.
“The incessant attacks on the country’s education system in the form of kidnapping, abduction of pupils; students through the increased activities of insurgents and general insecurity in our schools have been chief among contributing factors responsible for the growing number of out-of-school children.
“These perpetrators of evil, having turned their attention to innocent children in boarding schools or institutions outside city limits, adopt young learners in large numbers,” Gambari said.
He pointed out that fear of abduction and a traumatic experience from school children, who have been victims of kidnapping, has forced many children of school age to stay out of educational institutions, thereby increasing the problem of out-of-school children.
The Chief of Staff, however, assured Nigerians that the government is mindful of the fact that, to record adequate achievements in the education sector, the system would require a total overhaul and changes to improve the education sector.
Meanwhile, 12 million children are reported to have been affected by the rise in insecurity in the country
The first mass school abduction in the country was in the northeast region in 2014, when Boko Haram members picked 276 girls from Chibok, triggering a global campaign called #BringBackOurGirls.
Since then, attacks on schools “have grown in number and spread across the northern part of the country,” President Buhari’s Chief of Staff said during the conference.
“There are more than 12 million children currently traumatized and afraid of going to school”. Girls were particularly affected, he added.
Gambari said further that “even when the abducted students are released, the trauma of the incidences remain long in their minds.”
October 27, 2021