Increased Kidnappings of School Children in Nigeria

Yesterday, in Kaduna, Nigeria, armed criminal gangs kidnapped high school students, about 140 children are missing. Since December 2020, around 1,000 children have been taken away by bandits seeking payments or other gains. Of these, some were released following negotiations with officials, while others are still being held captive. This political violence is very problematic, young people have a right to safety, and no one should live in constant fear of being kidnapped and potentially harmed. Popular media has shed little light on these events ever since the international headlines on Boko Haram in 2014, but it must be shared that this problem persists in Nigeria and has even led to the forced closure of some public schools. Our thoughts go out to all affected families, and we hope that the government can find a solution to this unfortunate situation.

📷: Kehinde Gbenga / AFP / Getty Images