The US calls on Nigeria to act decisively following the abduction of over 300 students and teachers in Niger State and 25 girls in Kebbi State.
The United States has strongly condemned the recent abductions of students and teachers in Niger State and the earlier kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, calling for swift justice and stronger protections for vulnerable communities.
In a statement issued Monday via its X handle, the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs described the attacks as acts that “must not go unpunished” and urged the Federal Government to ensure accountability.
“The United States condemns the mass abduction of reportedly over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria, and the kidnapping, just days before, of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State,” the statement read. “Those responsible for these crimes must be swiftly captured and held accountable. The Nigerian government must act decisively and do more to protect Christians and ensure Nigerians can live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror.”
The Kebbi State incident occurred on November 17, when gunmen stormed the school, killing Vice Principal Hassan Makuku and abducting at least 24 female students. Four days later, on November 21, armed assailants raided St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers. Fifty students managed to escape and reunite with their families.
These attacks highlight a troubling surge in school-targeted violence in Nigeria, echoing the 2014 Chibok abductions. In response, the Federal Government has launched rescue operations across affected states. President Bola Tinubu directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate efforts to rescue the kidnapped schoolgirls.
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