Cynthia Ezegwu
Amnesty International Nigeria has raised alarm over the escalating wave of mass kidnappings targeting schools, warning that the trend could deal a devastating blow to education across Northern Nigeria.
Country Director, Isa Sanusi, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, said the psychological trauma of abductions—and even the fear of such attacks—was already discouraging thousands of children from attending school.
“The trauma that comes with being abducted, or with the fear of being abducted, is going to prevent thousands of children from getting an education completely,” he said.
Sanusi noted that many rural families already struggle to keep their children in school due to economic pressures, adding that worsening insecurity will push even more parents to withdraw their children.
He explained that in many rural communities, children contribute significantly to household survival, making the decision to send them to school difficult even in stable times. With mounting insecurity, he warned, parents will become even more reluctant.
“Now, with these failures, you are going to see a situation where education suffers even more setbacks, especially in Northern Nigeria. People will be scared of going to school, and parents will be more skeptical about allowing their children to attend,” he said.
Sanusi cautioned that the current situation risks robbing an entire generation of access to education, pointing out that more than 12 million children are already out of school in Nigeria.
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Northern Nigeria has in recent months witnessed renewed attacks on educational institutions, forcing several state governments to shut down schools temporarily.
On Monday, armed attackers stormed the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Danko/Wasagu area of Kebbi State, abducting at least 24 schoolgirls and killing the school’s vice principal.
Just days later, on Friday, gunmen raided St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, abducting hundreds of students and staff. Authorities confirmed that at least 50 students have managed to escape.
Amnesty International urged the government to take urgent and decisive action to secure schools and restore confidence in the education system.