In the early hours of Friday, a father in northern Nigeria was jolted from sleep as he heard the chaos outside his home, witnessing gunmen on motorcycles abducting children from St Mary's Catholic school in Papiri village, Niger State. The harrowing scene unfolded as he helplessly observed his son being trafficked alongside dozens of peers, with the assailants brutally controlling the frightened children like livestock. Despite his desire to intervene, the father, who for safety reasons is referred to as Theo, felt powerless to stop the abduction. I thought better of it. Even if I did go, what could I do? I couldn't do anything, he lamented, having called the police, unaware of how late it would be when they finally arrived.
Reports indicate that the Christian Association of Nigeria claims 303 students and staff members were taken during the assault, although local authorities have disputed these numbers, suggesting they are exaggerated.
This incident is part of a disturbing trend in Nigeria, where kidnapping is rampant, particularly in northern regions plagued by insecurity. The governor of Niger State criticized the school's continued operation despite a history of threats against it, blaming school authorities for the lack of safety measures. The attack has raised alarms about the government's capacity and willingness to protect its citizens, leaving affected families like Theo's in despair. Parents are camping outside the school, expressing frustration over the government's inaction, heightening fears that they have been abandoned amidst ongoing violence.
With rampant kidnappings disrupting lives and education, the neglect of communities in danger is evident, as families like Theo's suffer anguish and uncertainty awaiting the safe return of their children.
Reports indicate that the Christian Association of Nigeria claims 303 students and staff members were taken during the assault, although local authorities have disputed these numbers, suggesting they are exaggerated.
This incident is part of a disturbing trend in Nigeria, where kidnapping is rampant, particularly in northern regions plagued by insecurity. The governor of Niger State criticized the school's continued operation despite a history of threats against it, blaming school authorities for the lack of safety measures. The attack has raised alarms about the government's capacity and willingness to protect its citizens, leaving affected families like Theo's in despair. Parents are camping outside the school, expressing frustration over the government's inaction, heightening fears that they have been abandoned amidst ongoing violence.
With rampant kidnappings disrupting lives and education, the neglect of communities in danger is evident, as families like Theo's suffer anguish and uncertainty awaiting the safe return of their children.
