In central Nigeria, armed men have abducted students from St. Mary’s School in Papiri. This marks the second mass kidnapping within just a few days. Reports suggest that close to 100 individuals, including students and staff, were taken during an early-morning raid.
This incident reflects a troubling trend in Nigeria, where armed groups, often called bandits, increasingly target schools for kidnappings. Just a few days prior, over 20 schoolgirls were taken from a boarding school in Kebbi state, sparking nationwide concern.
Local authorities had previously ordered all boarding schools in the area to close due to rising security threats. However, St. Mary’s School reopened without the necessary permissions, putting its community at risk. Families are now anxious, waiting for news of their loved ones.
Security forces are searching the nearby forests to find the abducted individuals. The situation is dire, and experts warn it highlights Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges. Kidnapping for ransom has become a significant issue, with criminal gangs operating in multiple regions of the country.
Interestingly, discussions around religious persecution in Nigeria have gained traction. In recent remarks, former President Donald Trump claimed that Christians in Nigeria face severe threats. However, Nigerian officials refute this, asserting that those targeted by terrorists include Muslims, Christians, and individuals of no faith. They argue that motivations behind these attacks are more often tied to resource competition rather than strictly religious disputes.
With more than 220 million people, Nigeria’s population is almost evenly divided between Muslims and Christians, with Muslims predominantly in the north. Violence often ensues between herders and farmers, but this usually stems from clashes over resources, not religion.
In a recent shocking event, a church in Kwara state came under attack, resulting in two deaths and the abduction of 38 attendees as a service was live-streamed. Reports indicate that the kidnappers are demanding ransom for the victims.
This series of events adds more pressure on President Bola Tinubu, who has recently postponed international trips to focus on addressing this rising violence across the country. The need for a robust response becomes ever more critical as Nigeria grapples with multiple overlapping crises—security being at the forefront.
For future insights on violence and security trends in Nigeria, you may explore resources from Human Rights Watch or the International Crisis Group.
