Human rights organisation Amnesty International has called on the Federal Government to immediately intensify efforts toward rescuing students abducted during recent attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states.
The organisation expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity affecting educational institutions across Nigeria, warning that repeated attacks on schools could further worsen the country’s education crisis.
In a statement released on Friday, Amnesty International condemned the abduction of students and described the incidents as a violation of children’s rights to safety and education. The group urged Nigerian authorities to act swiftly to secure the safe return of all victims and ensure stronger protection for schools nationwide.
According to reports, armed attackers invaded schools in parts of Oyo State and Borno State earlier this week, abducting dozens of students during separate operations. In Borno State, suspected Boko Haram insurgents reportedly attacked schools in Askira/Uba Local Government Area, where several pupils and students were taken away.
Similarly, reports from Oyo State indicated that gunmen stormed schools in Oriire Local Government Area and abducted multiple pupils and teachers, causing panic among residents and parents.
Amnesty International criticised what it described as the government’s failure to effectively tackle recurring attacks on educational institutions. The organisation stated that repeated kidnappings continue to traumatise communities and discourage parents from sending their children to school.
The rights group also urged security agencies to improve intelligence gathering and strengthen surveillance around vulnerable communities, particularly in regions facing frequent attacks by terrorists and criminal gangs.
The latest incidents have sparked nationwide outrage, with many Nigerians demanding urgent action from the Federal Government and security authorities to rescue the victims and restore confidence in the nation’s educational system.
School abductions have remained a major security concern in Nigeria since the 2014 kidnapping of schoolgirls in Chibok, Borno State, by Boko Haram insurgents. Since then, several schools across northern Nigeria and other parts of the country have experienced similar attacks.
Authorities are yet to provide an official update on the exact number of students abducted in the latest incidents, while rescue operations are reportedly ongoing.
