Hundreds of children abducted from Nigerian Catholic school days after similar crime
AGUARA, NIGERIA – Hundreds of students were abducted from a Catholic school in Niger state, Nigeria, on monday, marking the latest in a series of mass kidnappings targeting schools in the region. The incident occurred at the school near the town of Aguara,close to the Yelwa-Mokwa road,and involved over 50 classroom and dormitory buildings.
The abduction follows a similar incident just days prior in Kebbi state, where dozens were also taken. No group has yet claimed duty for either attack. However, analysts and local sources indicate that criminal gangs frequently target schools, travelers, and remote villages for ransom. authorities believe the perpetrators are largely former herders involved in conflicts with farming communities over dwindling resources.
These kidnappings are part of a disturbing trend; at least 1,500 students have been abducted in the region as Boko Haram extremists seized 276 schoolgirls from Chibok over a decade ago. While Boko Haram initially drove these attacks, analysts now say gangs are increasingly active, often seeking notoriety through high-profile abductions.
The Nigerian government has faced criticism for its handling of the insecurity, with residents and analysts citing a failure to prosecute attackers and widespread corruption hindering security forces.
The situation has drawn international attention.Former President Donald Trump recently designated Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” due to alleged religious freedom violations, claiming Christians are being persecuted – an allegation the Nigerian government rejected. Trump threatened to halt aid to Nigeria and even suggested military intervention, stating he instructed the Department of War to prepare for “possible action.” Nigerian foreign Minister Yusuf Maitama Tuggar responded, asserting Nigeria “is a God-fearing country where we respect faith, tolerance, diversity, and inclusion.”
The White House is now considering sanctions and increased Pentagon engagement in counterterrorism efforts to pressure Abuja to improve protection for Christian communities and religious freedom, according to a senior U.S. State Department official. President Tinubu recently dispatched a delegation to Washington to meet with Trump management officials and U.S. lawmakers.