US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, has expressed grave concern over the recent mass kidnappings of school children in Nigeria, labeling the incidents as “reprehensible.”
The abduction of over 280 pupils and teachers from Government Secondary School and LEA primary school in Kuriga, Kaduna State, on Thursday, has sparked national outrage and condemnation from various quarters.
Blinken’s statement follows reports of the horrifying attacks perpetrated by bandits, which have triggered widespread concern and calls for urgent action. The victims, including innocent children and educators, were forcefully taken from their schools, amplifying fears and raising questions about the safety of educational institutions in the region.
In his X post, Blinken expressed solidarity with the victims and their families, emphasizing the need for swift action to bring the perpetrators to justice. He asserted, “Those responsible for these horrifying attacks must be held accountable,” echoing the sentiments shared by many who are appalled by the audacity and cruelty of such acts.
The abduction in Kuriga comes amidst a series of similar incidents plaguing the country, further exacerbating security concerns and underscoring the urgent need for decisive measures to address the escalating crisis. Just days earlier, insurgents kidnapped 200 internally displaced women in Borno State, adding to the growing list of atrocities perpetrated by criminal elements.
Various organizations and individuals, including the Jama’atu Nasril Islam, Amnesty International, the Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, and the House of Representatives, have unequivocally condemned the kidnappings, urging the government to prioritize the rescue of the victims and ensure their safe return.
The bandits’ brazen assault on the Kuriga community underscores the prevailing insecurity in Kaduna State and the broader region, raising concerns about the safety and well-being of residents. The incident follows a pattern of escalating violence, with previous attacks targeting vulnerable communities and disrupting normalcy.
Government officials, led by Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, have pledged to spare no effort in securing the release of the abducted pupils and teachers. Governor Sani, while addressing the affected community, reassured residents of the government’s commitment to ensuring the safe return of the victims, promising swift action and coordination with security agencies.
Amidst the tragedy, voices of concern and solidarity continue to pour in from across the nation and beyond. Amnesty International Nigeria joined the chorus of condemnation, emphasizing the urgency of the situation and calling for immediate action to rescue the abducted students and hold the perpetrators accountable.
As the nation grapples with the aftermath of yet another devastating attack, questions linger about the underlying causes and systemic failures that have allowed such atrocities to persist.
