In a brazen daylight attack, bandits abducted 312 students and the principal, Abubakar Isah, from LEA Primary and Junior Secondary School in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The incident occurred when the bandits surrounded the school at 7:47 am, forcing teachers and students, about 700 in total, into the bush.
The assailants abducted 187 students from the secondary school and 125 from the primary school. Some students managed to escape, but the bandits pursued and captured them, leaving 287 students and the principal in their custody.
The school, lacking proper security measures, witnessed the bandits storming the area on over 20 motorcycles.
Governor Uba Sani visited the school, assuring the community that efforts were underway to rescue the abducted children. The state police and soldiers are actively pursuing the abductors.
The incident has sparked condemnation from various quarters, with the Northern Elders Forum expressing deep concern over the escalating insecurity and the recurring abduction of schoolchildren in the region.
ActionAid Nigeria called for urgent action to rescue the victims and demanded accountability and justice for those affected. The incident further highlights the fragile state of security in the nation, posing a significant threat to education and instilling fear among citizens.
The governor emphasized the government's commitment to protecting citizens' lives and property, expressing optimism about the safe return of the abducted children.
The abductions also drew condemnation from Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, and Senator Lawal Adamu Usman, representing Kaduna Central Senatorial zone.
