Global human rights group Amnesty International has criticized the escalating wave of violence spreading across Nigeria, particularly the surge in school abductions in the northern region.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the organisation said the attacks — especially those involving kidnapped students — underscore the Nigerian government’s failure to adequately safeguard the lives and well-being of its younger population.
The response follows confirmation by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) that 315 students and staff members of St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools, Papiri, in Agwarra LGA of Niger State were abducted.
According to Amnesty International, “The Nigerian authorities are failing children, as over 230 children in the north are in captivity of gunmen this week…” The organisation noted that thousands of schoolchildren have had their education disrupted due to mass abductions and the subsequent closure of schools in states such as Katsina and Plateau.
It stressed that the “latest wave of horrific attacks on schools in Kebbi and Niger state” shows a failure to learn from past tragedies, highlighting that more than 780 children were kidnapped in 2021 alone during mass attacks on schools or religious centres.
The group added that the future of northern schoolchildren remains uncertain as many institutions remain shut, while others face declining attendance due to fear and trauma. Some teachers in Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger reportedly informed the organisation that insecurity has severely discouraged children from returning to classrooms.
Amnesty International also raised concerns about the growing trend of underaged girls being withdrawn from school and married off under the guise of protecting them from potential abduction.
It stressed that “When educational institutions are targeted or attacked, the damage and consequences can be major and far-reaching,” urging the Nigerian government to protect the right to life and education.
The organisation further described the assaults as “a deliberate attack on children by armed groups”, insisting that the government must investigate these incidents as possible war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Emphasizing that “Nigeria is failing children once again in a horrifying manner,” Isa Sanusi said the ongoing attacks, kidnappings, and killings clearly violate international law. He called for thorough investigations and for those responsible to face justice.