The United States Government has condemned the recent abductions of schoolchildren in Niger and Kebbi States, describing the attacks as cowardly assaults on innocent children and a violation of their fundamental right to education. In a statement issued by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, Washington urged Nigerian authorities to intensify rescue efforts, bring the perpetrators to justice, and strengthen security around schools to prevent further tragedies.
Details of the Abductions
Armed men stormed schools in Niger and Kebbi States last week, abducting dozens of students in coordinated attacks that have deepened Nigeria’s mass abduction crisis. Witnesses reported that the attackers arrived on motorcycles, firing sporadically before whisking the children into nearby forests.
The incidents have sparked widespread fear among parents and educators, with many schools suspending activities in affected areas. Local vigilantes and security forces have since launched search operations, but many of the abducted children remain missing.
US Statement
In a statement released by the US Embassy in Abuja, Washington condemned the attacks as “cowardly acts that target innocent children and undermine the fundamental right to education.” The embassy emphasized that the U.S. stands with Nigeria in its fight against terrorism and criminality, calling for “swift and decisive action to ensure justice for the victims and accountability for the perpetrators.”
The statement also highlighted America’s ongoing support for Nigeria’s security sector, including training, intelligence sharing, and humanitarian assistance aimed at strengthening community resilience against violent groups.
Broader Context
Nigeria has witnessed a surge in mass abductions over the past decade, with schools, churches, and highways increasingly targeted by armed gangs. The attacks in Niger and Kebbi underscore the vulnerability of rural communities and the urgent need for systemic reforms in policing and intelligence.
Analysts warn that unless Nigeria addresses the root causes—poverty, weak governance, and porous borders—such abductions will continue to undermine national stability and erode public trust in government institutions.
Local and International Reactions
Civil society groups in Nigeria have welcomed the U.S. condemnation, urging the federal government to leverage international partnerships to strengthen its response. Parents of the abducted children have pleaded for urgent rescue efforts, while religious leaders have called for prayers and solidarity.
International observers say the U.S. statement adds pressure on Nigerian authorities to act decisively, as global attention increasingly focuses on the country’s worsening insecurity.
