Amnesty international warns school abductions jeopardize children’s future in Northern Nigeria

Amnesty International has raised the alarm over the rising incidence of school abductions in Northern Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a severe threat to the region’s children and their access to education.

In a report released on Monday, the human rights group noted that hundreds of students have been kidnapped from schools in states including Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, and Niger over the past year, often by armed groups and bandits seeking ransom.

Amnesty stated that these abductions are creating a climate of fear, forcing many parents to keep their children at home and disrupting educational continuity. “Children are growing up under constant threat, which undermines their right to education and exposes them to trauma that can have lifelong consequences,” the report said.

The organization also highlighted that despite government assurances and security measures, attacks on schools continue, pointing to gaps in protection and accountability. Amnesty called on the federal and state authorities to implement robust security strategies, strengthen early warning systems, and engage with communities to safeguard children.

Education experts say the long-term impact could be devastating, as repeated closures and threats may lead to rising dropout rates, diminished literacy, and a generation deprived of opportunities.

Amnesty’s warning comes amid increasing international concern over the safety of children in conflict-affected areas of Northern Nigeria, emphasizing that urgent action is needed to protect students and restore confidence in the education system.