The United States has denounced both the earlier kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State and the kidnapping of teachers and pupils in Niger State.
The State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs called the attacks “acts that must not go unpunished” and asked the Federal Government to prosecute those responsible in a statement released on Monday through its X account.
It also urged the government to bolster security protocols and ensure the safety of vulnerable groups, especially Christian communities.
It wrote, “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.
“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.”
It was reported that gunmen on November 17 stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, killing the vice principal, Hassan Makuku, and abducting at least 24 female students.
Four days later, on November 21, gunmen raided St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers.
Initial estimates varied, but the Christian Association of Nigeria later confirmed the figures through a census of missing individuals.
Fifty students managed to escape and reunite with their families.
The abductions mark a surge in school-targeted violence in Nigeria and echo the 2014 Chibok kidnapping of 276 girls by Boko Haram.
In response, the Federal Government initiated rescue operations in various states.
President Bola Tinubu, on Thursday, directed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to relocate to Kebbi State to coordinate security operations for the rescue of the abducted schoolgirls.
Governments in Niger, Katsina, Plateau, and Bauchi states have also ordered the closure of numerous schools to prevent further incidents.
