The recent abduction incidents in Nigeria have caused widespread concern. On March 7, gunmen abducted over 280 students and teachers in Kuriga, Kaduna state.Â
This is just one of several abduction incidents in the country. Amnesty International has called on President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian government to urgently address the issue, as nearly 700 people have been abducted in the past ten days alone.
These abductions, which are often targeting children and schools in the northern part of the country, are creating a climate of fear.
Parents are increasingly reluctant to send their children to school, and many schools are being closed due to security concerns. Teachers are also abandoning their posts in rural areas out of fear for their safety.
Amnesty International has documented at least 17 abduction cases in less than a decade, highlighting the failure of the authorities to effectively address the problem.
The inability to bring perpetrators to justice only emboldens further attacks and perpetuates impunity.
The situation is particularly dire for internally displaced persons (IDPs), as demonstrated by the abduction of over 400 IDPs, mostly women and children, from camps in Borno state on March 3.
These incidents underscore the urgent need for the Nigerian government to prioritize the security and safety of its citizens.
In light of these events, Amnesty International is urging the Nigerian government to take immediate action to protect its citizens, secure the safe release of those held in captivity, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Failure to do so could have long-term consequences, including the loss of an entire generation’s access to education and the perpetuation of insecurity in the country.
