At least 10 students abducted by gunmen in northwest Nigeria

December 26, 2022

3 minutes read

At least 10 students abducted by gunmen in northwest Nigeria

At least 10 students were abducted by gunmen in northwest Nigeria, according to authorities. The abductions occurred on Monday, involving students from the Government Secondary School in Kaduna state. However, the exact location of the kidnapping remains unclear, as officials are still waiting for detailed reports to determine whether the incident took place within the school premises or elsewhere, according to Samuel Aruwan, the state commissioner of security.

Abductions of students from schools in northern Nigeria have become alarmingly frequent, particularly since the infamous 2014 kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls by Islamic extremists in Borno state. In 2020 and 2021 alone, more than 1,000 students were kidnapped from schools across the northwest and north-central regions, as reported by the United Nations last year.

Authorities attribute these abductions to armed groups that frequently target remote communities. Many of the gunmen are believed to be young men from the Fulani ethnic group, a predominantly Muslim group of semi-nomadic herders who have been involved in long-standing conflicts with other communities over access to land and water.

Although attacks decreased last year due to intensified military operations by Nigeria’s security forces targeting the hideouts of these gunmen, the government continues to struggle to fully quell the insurgency.

The ongoing situation in Nigeria highlights the persistent challenges faced by the government and security forces in addressing the issue of student abductions and broader security concerns in the region. Despite some progress in reducing attacks through military interventions, the underlying causes of the violence—such as conflicts over resources, poverty, and a lack of opportunities—remain unresolved, contributing to the ongoing instability.

The kidnapping of students has not only caused immense suffering for the victims and their families but has also disrupted the education system in the affected areas. Schools in northern Nigeria have become increasingly vulnerable, with parents fearing for the safety of their children. In response, some schools have been forced to close or relocate to safer areas, further limiting access to education for many students.

The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its handling of the situation, with many calling for stronger measures to protect schools and ensure the safety of students. International organizations and local groups have also urged the government to address the root causes of the violence, including the need for better economic opportunities and conflict resolution mechanisms.

In the meantime, communities in northern Nigeria continue to live in fear, uncertain of when the next attack might occur. The recent abduction of students in Kaduna state serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing security challenges in the region, underscoring the need for sustained efforts to bring peace and stability to the area.

Share:
Subscribe
Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Related Links

Olakunle Nafiu

NYSC Highlights Employer Rejection Concerns

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has raised alarm over the growing trend of employers ...

heat

Morocco Heat Wave Drives Surge in Air Conditioning Demand

Morocco is grappling with a severe heatwave this summer, with temperatures soaring well above average ...

Trump

U.S. Hosts Five West and Central African Leaders in Strategic Summit

The United States is hosting a landmark two-day summit at the White House, beginning Wednesday, ...

West Africa

West African Cocoa Output Set to Drop 10% in 2025/26 Season

West African cocoa production is projected to decline by 10% in the 2025/26 season, extending ...

Features

heat

Morocco Heat Wave Drives Surge in Air Conditioning Demand

Morocco is grappling with a severe heatwave this summer, with temperatures soaring well above average ...

UK

UK and US Clamp Down on Nigerian Visas:What Does It Really Mean?

The United Kingdom and United States have recently tightened visa policies for Nigerian citizens, sparking ...

Netherlands Returns 119 Looted Benin Bronzes to Nigeria

On Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Netherlands returned 119 looted artifacts, known as the Benin ...

Ngugi-wa-Thiongo

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o:Passed the pen to the Next Generation.

Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, a legendary Kenyan writer, scholar, and revolutionary voice in African literature passed ...

ECOWAS

ECOWAS Celebrates 50th Anniversary Amid Sahel States Tensions

On May 28, 1975, fifteen West African nations signed the Lagos Treaty, establishing the Economic ...

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

What Really Moves Bitcoin’s Price? A Comprehensive Guide to the Key Drivers of Volatility and Value

​Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency, has captivated the financial world with its innovative technology and notable ...

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea Sets September 2025 Date for Constitutional Referendum as Military Inches Toward Democratic Transition

Guinea’s military-led government has officially announced that a national referendum on a new constitution will ...

Ivory Coast economic growth

Côte d’Ivoire’s Economic Boom Faces Political Test in 2025 Election

Ivory Coast’s Economic Success: A Model for West Africa Côte d’Ivoire has emerged as one ...

Latest News

Today in History

July 10th is the day in 1973 that National Assembly of Pakistan passes a resolution on the recognition of Bangladesh.

Exchange Rate Per Dollar

AM Armenian Dram382.6962
GH Ghana Cedi10.4
GM Gambian Dalasi71.5
GN Guinea Franc8,668.68
NG Nigerian Naira₦1,528
CF CFA Franc BEAC558.7784
10 Jul · CurrencyRate · USD
CurrencyRate.Today
Check: 10 Jul 2025 06:05 UTC
Latest change: 10 Jul 2025 06:00 UTC
API: CurrencyRate
Disclaimers. This plugin or website cannot guarantee the accuracy of the exchange rates displayed. You should confirm current rates before making any transactions that could be affected by changes in the exchange rates.
You can install this WP plugin on your website from the WordPress official website: Exchange Rates🚀

YOUR THOUGHTS

Let us know what you think

Contact the People’s Paper with feedback on stories and how we could make wapress.africa even better!

newsletter image

Stay up to date with the latest from West Africa Press

Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on WApress.

Subscribe Newsletter!

Be the first to receive our latest contents and more...

Need help?