Amnesty Int’l Condemns Abduction Of Four Nigerian Female Students, Asks Tinubu To Address Rising Kidnappings

Global human rights body, the Amnesty International, has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently address the rising spate of school kidnappings across Nigeria. 

The plea followed the abduction of four female students from their hostel at J.S. Tarka University, Makurdi, Benue State. 

The human rights organisation in statement on Thursday strongly condemned the attack by gunmen and warned that the failure of the government to curb the abductions was threatening the future of education in the country.

“President Bola Tinubu and his government must urgently address the country’s spate of abductions targeting educational institutions,” Amnesty International stated. 

The organisation criticised the authorities’ inability to protect students, adding that the growing insecurity is forcing many schools, especially in rural areas, to shut down.

“The consistent failure of the Nigerian authorities to stem the tide of abductions targeting institutions of learning means that some could miss out on education, as fear of abductions compelled authorities to close hundreds of rural schools,” Amnesty International said.

The latest attack in Benue comes amid a wave of mass abductions in different parts of the country. 

In just the last ten days, nearly 700 people have been abducted by gunmen in Borno, Kaduna, and Sokoto states. Reports indicate that armed groups have continued their violent activities despite ongoing security efforts.

“Amnesty International receives almost daily reports of abductions, including in Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger states,” the organisation stated, highlighting the widespread nature of the crisis.

The situation has raised concerns over the safety of students and teachers, with many fearing that schools may no longer be safe places for learning. 

Parents and education stakeholders have repeatedly urged the government to prioritise security in educational institutions to prevent further disruptions.

Kidnappings for ransom have become a major challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the North, where armed groups frequently target schools. 

Security analysts warn that if urgent measures are not taken, more children will be denied access to education due to insecurity.

While the government has pledged to strengthen security, many Nigerians remain sceptical, citing previous failures to prevent mass abductions. 

Amnesty International’s latest call adds to the growing pressure on the Tinubu administration to take decisive action against the worsening security crisis.

The families of the kidnapped students in Makurdi continue to wait anxiously for news, hoping that the authorities will act swiftly to rescue their loved ones.

SOURCE: SAHARA REPORTERS