Gunmen have abducted 39 students and seven teachers during attacks on schools in Nigeria, raising fresh concerns over the country’s worsening security situation and repeated assaults on educational institutions.
According to reports, the attacks occurred in areas heavily affected by armed banditry, where the attackers stormed schools with weapons and forced students and teachers into nearby forests.
Security agencies said rescue operations and investigations are currently underway, while government officials condemned the attacks and promised to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Residents of the affected communities expressed fear and frustration, saying the growing number of school attacks continues to disrupt education and create panic among families.
Nigeria has experienced several mass kidnappings of students in recent years, particularly in the northern part of the country, where armed groups frequently target schools for ransom and intimidation.
Child rights and education advocacy groups have called on the government to strengthen security around schools to protect students, teachers, and educational activities from further attacks.