Gunmen abducted secondary school students heading to university entrance examinations and other travellers in central Nigeria’s Benue state, the region’s governor said late on Thursday – the first reported student abduction this year.
Armed gangs and Islamist militants frequently target travellers, schoolchildren and rural communities in Nigeria. The authorities did not say who they thought was behind the latest abduction.
The attack occurred along the Makurdi–Otukpo road, Governor Hyacinth Alia said, describing it as a “cowardly act”. He did not say how many people were taken, but local media reported that 17 students were missing.
“The targeting of innocent citizens, particularly students on their way to sit for examinations, is unacceptable and stands against every norm of humanity and civil order,” Alia said in a statement.
Security agencies had launched search-and-rescue operations, with the governor directing that “no effort be spared” to locate the victims.
Mass kidnappings, despite repeated government pledges to prevent such incidents, continue to disrupt education, commerce, and travel, leaving frustrated residents questioning the authorities’ effectiveness in addressing the threat.
US President Donald Trump has cited the insecurity to threaten military action over what he calls persecution of Christians in Nigeria. The government, made up of Christians and Muslims, says the insecurity affects people of both religions.
- Gunmen abducted secondary school students and other travellers in Benue state, central Nigeria, marking the first reported student abduction this year.
- The attack happened on the Makurdi–Otukpo road; local media report 17 students missing, though officials have not confirmed the number.
- Governor Hyacinth Alia condemned the abduction as a "cowardly act" targeting students on their way to university exams.
- Security agencies have launched search-and-rescue efforts, with orders to spare no effort in locating the victims.
- Mass kidnappings persist in Nigeria despite government pledges, causing disruption and raising doubts about authorities' effectiveness; US President Trump has linked insecurity to religious persecution and threatened military action.
Gunmen abducted secondary school students heading to university entrance examinations and other travellers in central Nigeria's Benue state, the region's governor said late on
Armed gangs and Islamist militants frequently target travellers, schoolchildren and rural communities in Nigeria.
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Security agencies had launched search-and-rescue operations, with the governor directing that "no effort be spared" to locate the victims.
Mass kidnappings, despite repeated government pledges to prevent such incidents, continue to disrupt education, commerce, and travel, leaving frustrated residents questioning the authorities' effectiveness in addressing the threat.
US President Donald Trump has cited the insecurity to threaten military action over what he calls persecution of Christians in Nigeria.
