More than 300 students and teachers were kidnapped from St Mary’s co-educational school in Niger state, Nigeria, marking one of the largest mass abductions in the country's history. The incident, which occurred early Friday, has heightened security fears in Nigeria, already grappling with rising violence and kidnappings.

Mass Abduction Details
Gunmen stormed St Mary’s school, seizing 303 students and 12 teachers, according to the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). The abduction comes just days after another incident in Kebbi state, where 25 girls were taken from a secondary school. The kidnapped individuals, aged between eight and 18 years, represent nearly half of the school's total population of 629. The Nigerian government has not yet provided an official count of those abducted, but Niger state governor Mohammed Umar Bago confirmed that authorities are conducting a headcount.

Government Response
In response to the crisis, Bago announced the closure of all schools in Niger state and urged nearby states to do the same as a precautionary measure. The national education ministry has also ordered the shutdown of 47 boarding secondary schools across the country. President Bola Tinubu has canceled international engagements, including attending the G20 summit, to focus on managing the situation and ensuring the safe return of the abducted individuals.

Historical Context
The recent kidnappings echo the infamous abduction of nearly 300 girls by Boko Haram in Chibok over a decade ago, a tragedy that still resonates in Nigeria. The US has also expressed concern, with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth urging the Nigerian government to take immediate action to protect Christians facing violence from radical groups.

Eyewitness Accounts
A staff member from St Mary’s school recounted the chaos during the attack, describing the sounds of motorcycles and violent banging on the school gates. The attackers reportedly operated for nearly three hours, moving through dormitories while students cried in fear. Meanwhile, parents like Stella Shaibu are left anxious, collecting their children from schools following the directive to close boarding institutions.

Wrap-up
The mass kidnapping in Niger state has raised alarm over the escalating insecurity in Nigeria, prompting immediate government action and drawing international attention. As the search for the abducted students and teachers continues, the country remains on edge, grappling with the implications of these violent acts on its educational institutions and the safety of its citizens.

Sources
theguardian.com

@hoju-korean.com Editorial Team