A teacher who managed to escape captivity has shed light on the harrowing situation in Kaduna, Nigeria, where gunmen abducted 287 students and a principal from the Government Secondary School (GSS) in Chikun Local Government Area on Thursday.
The teacher, Sani Abdullahi, spoke to reporters upon his return, providing a firsthand account of the abduction. According to a report by Daily Trust, a credible Nigerian newspaper, Abdullahi described the gunmen taking them by surprise. He entered the acting principal’s office that morning and signed his attendance when he noticed the bandits surrounding the school.
The exact number of students abducted remains unclear. Abdullahi claims 287 students were taken, while other reports suggest a slightly lower figure. Regardless of the precise number, this mass abduction has sparked outrage and fear across Nigeria.
This isn’t the first time schools in Kaduna have been targeted by armed groups. In fact, kidnappings for ransom have become a growing concern in northwest Nigeria, with schools becoming a focal point. Just days before this incident, gunmen abducted 39 students from another school in Kaduna.
The motive behind these abductions remains unclear. Criminal gangs seeking ransom or Boko Haram, a militant Islamist group, could be potential culprits. The Nigerian government has condemned the kidnappings and vowed to secure the students’ safe return. President Muhammadu Buhari has reportedly ordered security forces to intensify their efforts in the region.
The attack on the GSS in Chikun has drawn international condemnation as well. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has released a statement calling for the immediate and safe release of the abducted children.
The coming days will be crucial for the abducted students, their families, and the entire nation of Nigeria. Security forces face immense pressure to locate the captives and ensure their safe return. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing security challenges faced by Nigeria, particularly regarding the protection of children and educational institutions.