‘It’s becoming an abhorrent pattern’ — UN condemns abduction of Niger pupils

António Guterres, United Nations (UN) secretary-general, says school abductions in Nigeria are developing into an “abhorrent pattern”.

There have been several cases of school abductions in Nigeria, especially across the north, resulting in the kidnap of at least 700 students and children since December 2020.

In the latest attack targeting schoolchildren, more than 100 pupils and students were abducted from Salihu Tanko Islamiyya school in Tegina town, Rafi LGA of Niger state, on May 30.

The bandits were said to have later contacted the school and demanded N110 million ransom for the release of the students.

In a statement, Stephane Dujarric, the secretary-general’s spokesman, said Guterres condemned the recent abduction of students from the Islamic school in Niger state.

According to Dujarric, the secretary-general expressed concern over the frequent abduction of schoolchildren in Nigeria, especially considering the impact on their learning process.

“I can tell you that the Secretary-General strongly condemns the abduction of students from the Islamic School in Tegina town, in Nigeria’s Niger State that took place on Sunday, 30 May,” the statement reads.

“He is disturbed by the frequency of abductions for ransom of children from schools by extremist groups and criminal networks. This is developing into an abhorrent pattern, with serious impacts on the children’s well-being and development, as well as for teachers and the families.

“The Secretary-General reiterates that this constitutes a violation of the rights of children to education and underscores the need to hold perpetrators accountable.”