Niger State to Reopen Schools Amid Security Challenges Following Mass Abductions
Niger state in Nigeria has announced plans to reopen public and private schools from 12 January in areas deemed safe and secure following a mass abduction in November. Not all schools will reopen immediately; a list of schools approved to resume sessions will be released, while those in unsafe or insecure areas will remain closed until the security situation improves.
The decision to reopen schools was based on security assessments and consultations with security agencies. This follows the November incident in which more than 250 students and staff were abducted from St Mary's Catholic School in Papiri. All individuals taken were rescued before Christmas, although details of the rescue operation and whether any ransom was paid have not been publicly disclosed.
Authorities classify armed groups operating in the north-central region as terrorists, noting that ransom payments are illegal despite ongoing claims of such payments. Since 2014, over 1,500 children have been abducted from Nigerian schools, including the notable 2014 Chibok abduction where 276 girls were taken.
Upon resumption, returning students must be registered, and their data sent to the education ministry within a week. Local officials are tasked with ensuring an adequate security presence around school premises to safeguard students.
However, the security situation remains volatile. Just a day after the reopening announcement, gunmen attacked Kasuwan-Daji in Niger state, killing at least 30 people and kidnapping several others. The attackers burned a market and looted shops, causing further fear within the community.
