Amnesty International has strongly condemned the recent abduction of four female students from their hostel at J.S. Tarka University in Makurdi, Benue State. The human rights organization has called on President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to address the increasing wave of school kidnappings across Nigeria.
In a statement released on Thursday, Amnesty International warned that the government’s failure to curb these abductions threatens the future of education in the country. “President Bola Tinubu and his government must urgently address the spate of abductions targeting educational institutions,” the organization stated.
The attack in Benue is part of a disturbing trend of school kidnappings affecting multiple states in Nigeria. Reports indicate that nearly 700 people have been abducted in the past ten days across Borno, Kaduna, and Sokoto states. Amnesty International also noted that cases of abductions continue to emerge daily in Zamfara, Katsina, and Niger states.
The organization criticized the government’s inability to protect students and teachers, warning that the fear of abductions is forcing many rural schools to shut down. “The consistent failure of Nigerian authorities to stem the tide of abductions targeting institutions of learning means that some children may miss out on education, as the fear of abductions has compelled authorities to close hundreds of rural schools,” Amnesty International added.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a major security challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region, where armed groups frequently target schools. Parents and education stakeholders have repeatedly urged the government to strengthen security in schools to prevent further disruptions.
The latest attack in Benue has heightened concerns about the safety of students and the ability of law enforcement agencies to respond effectively to security threats. Amnesty International’s statement adds to the growing pressure on the Tinubu administration to take decisive action. While the government has pledged to improve security, many Nigerians remain skeptical due to past failures in preventing mass abductions.
As the families of the kidnapped students in Makurdi anxiously await updates
