Nigeria witnessed another horrifying mass abduction as over 300 students and teachers were kidnapped from St Mary’s School, marking the second large-scale kidnapping in the country this week. The shocking incident, reported by AFP, has intensified concerns over rising attacks on educational institutions in northern Nigeria.
Authorities confirmed that the number of abducted students—boys and girls—is almost half of the school's total population of 629, making it one of the biggest school abductions in recent years.
What Happened at St Mary’s School?
According to preliminary reports:
Armed men stormed St Mary’s School early in the morning
Over 300 students and several teachers were taken hostage
The assailants arrived on motorcycles and trucks
They overpowered the school's limited security presence
The school remains sealed as investigators assess the situation, and anxious parents gather around the campus for updates.
Second Kidnapping in a Single Week
This incident is the second school kidnapping reported this week in Nigeria, raising fears of a resurgence in mass school abductions that were rampant in previous years.
Insecurity in the region has escalated due to:
Armed militia groups
Ransom-driven kidnappings
Terror-linked factions
Weak rural security infrastructure
Local communities have expressed frustration, saying authorities have not done enough to protect schools despite repeated attacks.
The Impact on Families and the Community
Parents described the situation as “a nightmare,” with many collapsing in grief and pleading with authorities for action.
The atmosphere in the village is tense:
Families are waiting for official word
Local leaders are coordinating with police
Schools in nearby regions are shutting down temporarily
Teachers who managed to escape said the attackers acted swiftly and targeted classrooms before the students could flee.
Government & Security Response
Nigeria’s security forces have launched a search-and-rescue operation, deploying:
Military units
Counterterrorism teams
Aerial surveillance (where possible)
Local vigilante groups for ground support
Officials say they are “optimistic” about locating the students, but past incidents have shown that rescue operations can take weeks or even months.
Nigeria’s Increasing School Abductions: A Troubling Pattern
Mass school kidnappings have become a major security crisis in Nigeria, involving:
Ransom demands
Forced recruitment by militant groups
Trafficking
Extortion of government authorities
Children and teachers have repeatedly become targets, disrupting education for thousands across the region.
Human rights groups have criticised the government for failing to safeguard students despite years of recurring attacks.
Conclusion
The kidnapping of over 300 students and teachers from St Mary’s School marks yet another dark moment in Nigeria’s battle against violent militia groups.
With two abductions happening within a single week, the situation demands urgent intervention, stronger security measures, and international attention.
For now, the nation and families wait anxiously, hoping for the safe return of the abducted children and staff.
FAQs
1. How many people were kidnapped from St Mary’s School?
Over 300 students and teachers.
2. Is this the only school kidnapping this week?
No. It is the second major abduction reported within the same week.
3. Why are school kidnappings rising in Nigeria?
Due to armed groups targeting schools for ransom, recruitment, and pressure tactics.
4. What is the government doing to rescue the students?
Military and police units have launched a coordinated search-and-rescue operation.
5. Are nearby schools affected?
Yes. Many schools in the region are shutting temporarily as a safety measure.
Published on : 22nd November
Published by : SMITA
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Source Credit: AFP