Gunmen in Nigeria abduct over 20 students.
OAN Reporter Abril Elfi
12:52 PM – Friday, September 22, 2023
Gunmen in northwestern Nigeria have carried out a brazen attack on a school, abducting at least 20 students. The incident has sparked concerns for the safety of students in the area.
Zamfara Police Spokesman Yazid Abubakar confirmed that the gunmen broke into student housing near the Federal University Gusau in Zafamara and took at least 20 students hostage.
According to witness Mallam Abdul Bagudu, the gunmen launched their attack at around 3 a.m. on Friday, shooting and attacking the university. They targeted three hostels where students were residing and abducted many of them.
A student who experienced the attack described how the gunmen forced their way through the windows and dragged students out. The assailants also engaged in a gun battle with Nigerian army troops, as reported by student Hassan Aliyu.
“They divided themselves into two groups with one group taking the kidnapped victims while the others stayed behind to engage with forces,” he said. “The first group had left with the students while the second group engaged the army in a gun duel.”
While the exact number of students taken hostage remains unconfirmed, local media reports suggest it to be at least 24, with most of the victims being female students.
Fortunately, local authorities were able to rescue six students in a nearby community.
Since 2014, northwestern Nigeria has been plagued by abductions, with the infamous kidnapping of over 200 schoolgirls in Borno state by Islamic extremists. Although the frequency of attacks had decreased in the past year, this recent incident raises new concerns for the region.
Yazid Abubakar announced that a manhunt, involving search and rescue teams, the army, and the airforce, has been launched to apprehend the gunmen.
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How can addressing the root causes of insecurity, such as poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion, contribute to creating an environment where every child has the opportunity to receive a quality education free from violence
S shortly after the attack. According to Zamfara State Police Commissioner, Mr. Ayuba Elkanah, the rescue operation was carried out by a joint team of security forces, including the police, military, and local vigilantes. The rescued students were immediately taken to a nearby hospital for medical evaluation.
This incident is just the latest in a series of attacks on educational institutions in Nigeria. In recent years, schools in the country have become targets for armed groups seeking to disrupt the education system and instill fear in the population. These attacks not only put the lives of innocent students at risk but also have a long-lasting impact on their mental well-being and future opportunities.
The Nigerian government must take immediate and decisive action to ensure the safety of students and protect the right to education. This includes strengthening security measures in and around schools, providing adequate training and resources to security forces, and enhancing intelligence-gathering capabilities to prevent such attacks.
Additionally, it is crucial for the government to address the root causes of insecurity in the country. Poverty, unemployment, and social exclusion are often cited as factors contributing to the rise of armed groups. By addressing these underlying issues, the government can tackle the problem at its core and create an environment where every child has the opportunity to receive a quality education free from violence.
The international community also has a role to play in supporting Nigeria in its efforts to ensure the safety of students. This includes providing financial and technical assistance for security initiatives, as well as advocating for the protection of the right to education on the global stage.
Education is a fundamental human right, and every child deserves to learn in a safe and secure environment. The attack on the school in northwestern Nigeria is a stark reminder of the challenges that students and educators face in many parts of the world. It is our collective responsibility to stand up against these acts of violence and work towards a future where every child can fulfill their potential through education.
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