Mass Abduction in Kuriga: Over 100 Nigerian School Students Kidnapped

The abduction of more than 100 Nigerian school students reportedly occurred in the town of Kuriga in the north-western region.

Witnesses stated that armed individuals on motorcycles entered the school’s assembly area around 08:30, taking away students aged between eight and 15, along with a teacher. This incident marks a resurgence in mass abductions of children, contrasting with a recent decline in such events. One student was injured and is receiving medical treatment at Birnin Gwari Hospital.

The state government of Kaduna confirmed the incident without providing detailed information. Recent kidnappings, including the killing of a school principal and abduction of his wife in January, have heightened concerns. Although unrelated, this incident follows fears of Boko Haram’s involvement in the abduction of women and children in northeastern Nigeria. The criminal gangs responsible for kidnappings in the northwest operate separately from Boko Haram, although occasional collaboration has been reported. Efforts to combat kidnapping, including legislation criminalizing ransom payments, have been implemented, though enforcement remains a challenge.

In a separate incident, a family denied police claims of their daughters’ rescue, indicating payment of ransom.