In a late-night raid on the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Kogi state, Nigeria, gunmen abducted at least nine students. The incident marks the third abduction of students in the conflict-hit region this year. Local authorities have activated the security architecture to track the kidnappers and ensure the safe rescue of the abducted students. Local hunters are aiding security forces in combing the school area surrounded by bushes in the remote Osara town.
Nigeria has been grappling with a wave of mass school kidnappings, starting with the infamous abduction of over 200 schoolgirls by Islamic extremists in Chibok in 2014. This incident led to the global #BringBackOurGirls social media campaign. Since then, at least 1,400 Nigerian students have been abducted under similar distressing circumstances. The latest abduction in Kogi state comes on the heels of another kidnapping in Kuriga town, Kaduna state, where 130 children were taken captive in March. Many of the Chibok girls abducted in 2014 are still in captivity, highlighting the ongoing threat faced by students in the country.
The attackers struck the Confluence University of Science and Technology, located in Kogi state, which borders the nation’s capital, Abuja. The gunmen managed to abduct the students from their classrooms before security forces could intervene. Kogi Commissioner for Information Kingsley Femi Fanwo has assured the public that efforts are being made to track the kidnappers and secure the safe release of the abducted students. Footage showed the local hunters joining security forces in the search efforts in the bushy area surrounding the school.
Educational institutions in Nigeria have become prime targets for kidnappings, with hundreds of students falling victim to these attacks over the years. The rampant school abductions have raised concerns about the safety of students and the state of education in the conflict-affected regions. The recurring incidents also shed light on the challenges faced by security forces in combating the activities of armed groups and criminal syndicates operating in the country. The government has been urged to take decisive action to protect students and prevent further abductions.
The continued abduction of students poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s education system, as young people are being denied access to safe learning environments. The traumatizing experience of being kidnapped not only affects the victims but also casts a shadow of fear over the entire education sector. The need for improved security measures in schools and cooperation between security forces and local communities has become more urgent than ever. Stakeholders at all levels must work together to address the root causes of the kidnappings and ensure the safety and well-being of students across the country. It is crucial to prioritize the protection of children and uphold their right to education without fear of abduction or harm.
