The wave of attacks on schools across northern Nigeria has pushed both the Federal Government and several state governments to shut down academic activities in many communities. The move comes as insecurity escalates, especially with the alarming increase in the abduction of pupils and teachers.
Just four days after 26 schoolgirls were kidnapped in Kebbi State, bandits again struck St. Mary’s School in the Papiri community of Niger State, abducting 215 students and 12 teachers in an overnight raid. Witnesses say the attackers stormed the school around 2am, riding over 100 motorcycles, and operated for nearly an hour before escaping with their victims.
The Vice Principal of a Kebbi school was also killed earlier in the week, deepening nationwide distress.
In reaction, the Federal Government ordered the closure of 41 unity schools, while states such as Kwara, Plateau, Niger, Benue, and Katsina have also suspended academic activities in vulnerable areas. Some schools have been closed for months—others for years—due to persistent attacks.
Communities in Shock
In Niger, families of abducted students have been overwhelmed with fear and uncertainty. Many parents break down at the school gates daily, hoping for positive news—not knowing when, or if, their children will return.
In Kebbi, parents of kidnapped schoolgirls have resorted to daily prayer gatherings, seeking divine intervention as the government intensifies rescue efforts.
One grieving widow from Niger State recounted how gunmen shot her husband in the chest while he tried to protect their home, before attempting to kill her daughter. The girl narrowly escaped by running into the bush in the dead of night.
Government Reactions Intensify
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, immediately relocated to Kebbi on President Tinubu’s orders to oversee rescue operations. Security chiefs held a closed-door meeting to refine strategies and close operational gaps.
However, the Kebbi State Governor expressed anger over reports that soldiers withdrew from a targeted school less than an hour before the bandits invaded, demanding a full investigation into the withdrawal.
Meanwhile, northern governors, under the Northern States Governors’ Forum, warned that attacks on schools threaten ongoing efforts to reduce the region’s massive number of out-of-school children.
42,000 Schools at Risk
According to the National Safe Schools Financing Plan (2023–2026), over 42,000 primary and secondary schools in northern Nigeria have no perimeter fencing—making them easy targets. States like Kano, Benue, Bauchi, Katsina, Jigawa, Plateau, and Niger rank highest in unfenced schools.
Religious Leaders Raise Alarm
Leaders across religious blocs expressed deep concerns:
Northern CAN Chairman, Rev. John Hayab, said recent attacks show bandits are seeking blood, not money, noting that wealthy targets are rarely attacked.
Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, Adewale Martins, called on the government to “act fast,” warning that the brazenness of recent killings—including the murder of a serving Army General—shows how vulnerable ordinary Nigerians are.
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Hope Amid Fear
Despite the horror, some parents insist they won’t abandon education. “Education must continue,” one father said. “We still believe in the future of our children.”
As rescue operations intensify across the affected states, families, communities, and leaders say they can only hope for one thing: the safe return of every abducted child and teacher.
