In a concerning development, the Federal Government has revealed that schools in 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, are under threat of attacks by bandits and insurgents.
This disclosure was made by the National Coordinator of Financing Safe Schools in Nigeria, Hajia Halima Iliya, who stated that data regarding the at-risk schools has been gathered for necessary intervention.
While specifics regarding the states were not disclosed by Iliya, Hammed Abodunrin, representing the National Safe Schools Response Coordination Centre of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, identified the states as including Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Benue, Yobe, Katsina, FCT, Kebbi, Sokoto, Plateau, Zamfara, and three others.
The gravity of the situation was further underscored by recent abductions. Quicktell News reports that despite ongoing efforts, no fewer than 465 pupils, teachers, and women abducted within the past week remain in the custody of their captors.
Just last Saturday, fifteen pupils of an Islamiya school in Sokoto State were kidnapped, following closely on the heels of the abduction of 287 schoolchildren and teachers from the LEA Primary School and the Government Secondary School in Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Fortunately, 28 individuals managed to escape captivity, leaving 259 still held.
Prior to these incidents, another distressing occurrence took place in Borno State, where 200 female Internally Displaced Persons were taken by terrorists while gathering firewood in Ngala. Although nine have reportedly regained their freedom, 191 remain in captivity.
These events highlight the urgent need for enhanced security measures to safeguard educational institutions and vulnerable populations across Nigeria. The Federal Government, alongside relevant agencies, continues to work tirelessly to address these security challenges and ensure the safety and well-being of all citizens.
