Amnesty International Critiques Nigeria on School Abductions

Amnesty International has condemned the Nigerian government, led by President Bola Tinubu, for its inadequate response to the escalating insecurity in the country, particularly regarding the abduction of school children. The organization reported that between January and April 2026, at least 1,100 people were kidnapped, reflecting a troubling trend of targeting vulnerable populations.

Recent incidents included the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers in Oyo State, where a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, was reportedly beheaded. Additionally, 42 students were abducted from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Borno State during a Boko Haram assault.

Amnesty International described the conditions faced by victims as horrific, involving starvation, torture, and sexual violence. The organization urged the Nigerian authorities to fulfill their obligations under international law to protect children's rights to education and safety from violence and ill-treatment, emphasizing the urgent need for effective solutions to this ongoing crisis.