By Atoyebi Nike
Amnesty International Nigeria says rising school kidnappings are pushing thousands of children out of classrooms across Northern Nigeria. Country Director Isa Sanusi warned that fear alone is stopping many families from allowing their children to attend school, especially in rural communities already struggling with poverty.
He said the growing insecurity could rob a generation of education, adding to the country’s more than 12 million out-of-school children.
The warning follows fresh attacks. In Kebbi State, armed men abducted at least 24 students from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School, Maga, killing the vice principal. In Niger State, gunmen raided St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary Schools in Papiri, seizing hundreds of students and staff, though about 50 later escaped.
