Amnesty International Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the abduction of 42 schoolchildren in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, urging the Nigerian government to intensify efforts to secure their safe release. The organisation made the call on Wednesday, stating that it had been 144 days since the children were abducted by gunmen on May 15, 2026. This incident is part of a wider pattern of abductions affecting communities across northern Nigeria.
The continued insecurity in northern Nigeria is putting the education and future of thousands of children at risk, Amnesty International warned. The organisation stated that no child should suffer what children are facing in Nigeria, adding that education should not be a matter of life and death for anyone. Amnesty International also expressed concern over the closure of hundreds of schools in some northern states due to escalating insecurity.
According to Amnesty International, many children have been forced to abandon their education after experiencing violent attacks or spending time in captivity, leaving them with psychological trauma. The organisation stated that the future of thousands of school children in Northern Nigeria remains bleak as hundreds of schools in some states have been closed indefinitely due to rising insecurity.
Amnesty International urged the government to take stronger measures to secure the safe rescue of all schoolchildren still being held captive. The organisation also called on authorities to identify and prosecute those suspected of carrying out the abductions. This call comes as the Nigerian government faces criticism for its handling of the security situation in the country.
The abduction of schoolchildren in Borno State is not an isolated incident, as many communities in northern Nigeria have been affected by similar incidents. Amnesty International stated that Nigeria is failing children once again in a horrifying manner, highlighting the need for the government to take urgent action to address the security situation.
The organisation's call for action comes as the Nigerian government faces pressure to address the security situation in the country. The government has been criticised for its handling of the security situation, with many Nigerians calling for more to be done to protect citizens and ensure their safety.
Amnesty International's statement highlights the need for the Nigerian government to prioritise the safety and well-being of its citizens, particularly children. The organisation's call for action serves as a reminder of the government's responsibility to protect its citizens and ensure their safety.
Key points
- Amnesty International urges Nigerian government to intensify efforts to rescue abducted schoolchildren.
- Continued insecurity in northern Nigeria puts education and future of thousands of children at risk.
- Government urged to identify and prosecute those suspected of carrying out abductions.
