The United States has described the recent abduction of students and teachers in Niger State, as well as the earlier kidnapping of schoolgirls in Kebbi State, as acts that must not go unpunished.
In a statement issued on Monday through its X handle, the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs condemned the attacks and urged the Federal Government to bring the perpetrators to justice.
The department equally called on the Nigerian government to strengthen security measures and guarantee the safety of vulnerable communities.
Recall that gunmen on November 17 stormed Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, killing the vice principal, Hassan Makuku, and abducting at least 24 female students.
Four days later, on November 21, gunmen raided St. Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School in Papiri, Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State, abducting 303 students and 12 teachers.
In response, the Federal Government initiated rescue operations in various states.
President Bola Tinubu on Thursday instructed the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, to move to Kebbi State in order to oversee security measures for the rescue of the kidnapped schoolgirls.
In order to prevent further incidents, the governments of the states of Niger, Katsina, Plateau, and Bauchi have also ordered the closure of many schools.