By Obinna Uballa
A fresh surge of mass abductions across northern Nigeria has triggered nationwide fear, as parents, teachers and school owners express deep anxiety over the fate of 327 pupils kidnapped in Kebbi and Niger states. The incidents, the latest in a disturbing pattern of attacks on educational institutions, have heightened concerns that no school is safe.
In the past week alone, multiple schools have come under siege. On Monday, gunmen abducted 26 schoolgirls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, Kebbi State. While two later escaped, 24 remain in captivity. By Friday, abductors stormed St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, Niger State, seizing an initial 215 pupils and 12 teachers. Following a headcount, the figure of missing pupils rose to 303.
Despite assurances from authorities, there is still no clear information on the condition or location of the abducted children.
Otubela Abayomi, Chairman of the National Proprietors of Private Schools, described the escalating attacks as a national tragedy. He said the association’s National Executive Committee would meet to discuss an urgent response. “It seems there is no end to these kidnappings. Children and workers are being targeted, and this is a serious setback for national development. We are grieving,” he said.
Parents share similar fears. Haruna Danjuma, President of the National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, called the situation “scary,” urging the Federal Government to ensure the safe return of all abducted children. “It looks like these bandits planned ahead. We don’t want another Chibok tragedy,” he said.
Tinubu Vows to Crush Terror Networks
Amid mounting tension, President Bola Tinubu on Saturday reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to dismantle terrorist and bandit networks. Speaking through the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, at the 25th anniversary of the Arewa Consultative Forum in Kaduna, Tinubu said the government would not allow the North or any region to “bleed in silence.”
He described the current insecurity as one of Nigeria’s most severe challenges, warning that the collapse of communal values had deepened instability. “No region will be abandoned to violence while this government looks away,” he said.
Inside the Papiri Attack
New details have emerged from the Papiri school assault. In a video obtained by Sunday PUNCH, the school principal, Rev. Sr. Felicia Gyang, recounted how armed men invaded around midnight, breaking through gates as terrified children cried. She said attempts to reach security operatives during the attack were unsuccessful.
The Catholic Diocese of Kontagora confirmed the incident, noting that the attackers operated for nearly three hours, overpowering local security and herding pupils into waiting vehicles. It dismissed reports suggesting the school ignored warnings to shut down.
States Shut Schools Amid Safety Fears
In response, several northern states have moved to close schools. Niger ordered the shutdown of all public and private schools. Kebbi followed by closing three tertiary institutions, while Adamawa directed all boarding schools to switch to day-only operations. Other states, including Kwara, Plateau and Taraba, have taken similar steps in recent months.
Calls for New Security Strategy Grow
Opposition parties and experts say government actions must go deeper. Labour Party leader Nenadi Usman urged Tinubu to demonstrate “sincerity of purpose,” while security experts blamed weak policies and the proliferation of armed groups for the repeat attacks. Kabir Adams, an intelligence specialist, said at least “80 armed groups” now operate freely.
Analysts insist that beyond military action, Nigeria needs structural reforms, better intelligence gathering, and full implementation of the Safe Schools Initiative or kidnappings will persist.
