Story perspectives

State of Emergency Declared as School Abductions Surge in Nigeria

12/2/2025

Summary

Story summary

Nigeria's government, led by President Bola Tinubu, declared a nationwide state of emergency and ordered school closures.
In mid-November, militia groups abducted more than 300 students from a Catholic school and attacked church services, leaving three dead.
Save the Children reports at least 10 school kidnappings involving 670 children since January 2024.
The violence, attributed to jihadist groups and local gangs, raises concerns about education and puts pressure on security.

History

Historical Context

Boko Haram's 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls in Chibok, Nigeria, marked a significant escalation in the group's campaign against Western education, which they oppose. This incident sparked global outrage and the #BringBackOurGirls movement, highlighting the ongoing violence that has led to over 1,000 kidnappings since 2013, severely disrupting education and prompting urgent calls for enhanced security measures in Nigeria.

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Story summary

Nigeria's government, led by President Bola Tinubu, declared a nationwide state of emergency and ordered school closures.
In mid-November, militia groups abducted more than 300 students from a Catholic school and attacked church services, leaving three dead.
Save the Children reports at least 10 school kidnappings involving 670 children since January 2024.
The violence, attributed to jihadist groups and local gangs, raises concerns about education and puts pressure on security.

1 / 2