The Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has voiced her profound distress over a recent wave of violent attacks targeting schools in northern Nigeria. Speaking from a mother's perspective, she lamented the killings of teachers and the abduction of students that have cast a shadow over the nation's educational landscape.
A Mother's Heartfelt Plea
In a poignant post on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, Okonjo-Iweala shared her grief. "As a mother, I am greatly saddened by the kidnappings in our country, particularly of our children and teachers from places of learning," she wrote. Her message extended solidarity to the victims and their families, who are enduring immense fear and uncertainty. She concluded with a prayer for the safe rescue and return of all those taken and for strength for their waiting loved ones.
A Week of Tragic School Attacks
Her statement came against a backdrop of multiple security breaches at educational institutions. Authorities in Niger State confirmed a large-scale abduction on Friday at St Mary’s Catholic Primary and Secondary School located in the Papiri community, Agwara district.
Earlier in the same week, another tragic incident unfolded at the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State. Armed men stormed the school, abducting several female students. The state government reported that the school’s vice-principal was killed during the attack. Security forces have since been deployed to the area, with search and rescue operations actively ongoing.
Government Response and Wider Implications
In response to the escalating threat, the Niger State government has taken decisive action by ordering the immediate closure of all schools pending comprehensive security assessments. Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, addressing the media in Minna, revealed that intelligence reports had previously warned of potential attacks in the region. He assured the public that coordinated operations involving federal and state security agencies are underway to locate and rescue the abducted students and staff.
This crisis is not new to Nigeria. The country has been grappling with repeated school attacks since the infamous 2014 abduction of 276 girls from Chibok in Borno State by Boko Haram. Since then, armed groups, often seeking ransom, have frequently targeted rural schools with limited security infrastructure.
The consequences are dire. According to UNICEF, the pervasive insecurity has forced more than one million children out of school in high-risk states. Many of these schools lack basic protective measures such as perimeter fencing, early-warning systems, or trained security personnel.
The federal government has reiterated its commitment to rescuing the abducted students and bringing the perpetrators to justice. While defence and police units have been deployed to vulnerable areas, officials acknowledge that difficult terrain and dispersed criminal networks continue to complicate rescue missions.
International bodies, including UNICEF and UNESCO, have consistently urged Nigeria to bolster protection for schools and ensure the continuity of learning. The UN Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, recently reaffirmed the UN's support for measures that safeguard students and teachers, emphasizing that education must not be disrupted by violence.
