By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata
The United States has condemned the recent abductions of students and teachers in Niger and Kebbi states, urging the Nigerian government to arrest the perpetrators and ensure justice.
In a statement on Monday, the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs described the attacks as unacceptable and called for stronger security to protect vulnerable communities, including Christians.
It referenced the November 17 kidnapping of at least 24 schoolgirls in Maga, Kebbi State, where Vice Principal Hassan Makuku was killed, and the November 21 abduction of 303 students and 12 teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State. Fifty students have since escaped.
The U.S. stressed that those responsible “must be swiftly captured and held accountable,” noting rising attacks on schools reminiscent of the 2014 Chibok abductions.
President Bola Tinubu has ordered intensified rescue operations and directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi to coordinate efforts.
Several northern states have temporarily shut schools to prevent further attacks.
