Human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has accused the Federal Government of failing to tackle the growing wave of kidnappings targeting schoolchildren, rural communities and internally displaced persons across Nigeria.
The group said no fewer than 1,100 people were abducted between January and April 2026, describing the situation as evidence of the government’s inability to protect vulnerable Nigerians.
In a statement posted on its official X handle on Sunday, Amnesty criticised the administration of President Bola Tinubu following recent mass abductions in Oyo and Borno states.
“President Bola Tinubu and his government have failed to address the country’s shocking spate of abductions targeting school children, rural communities and internally displaced persons across the country,” the organisation stated.
Amnesty further alleged that “at least 1,100 people have been abducted from January to April 2026,” warning that attacks on schools and communities continue despite years of repeated promises by authorities.
The rights group’s reaction followed the abduction of 39 students and seven teachers during an attack on schools in the Ahoro Esinele community in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The attack reportedly left a teacher, Michael Oyedokun, beheaded by the gunmen.
Amnesty also cited another attack in Borno State where 42 pupils and students were kidnapped from Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira/Uba Local Government Area during an assault allegedly carried out by Boko Haram insurgents.
According to the organisation, survivors of similar abductions have recounted experiences of torture, starvation, flogging, beatings and sexual violence while in captivity.
It said the recurring attacks on schools exposed the failure of Nigerian authorities to end a crisis that has persisted for more than a decade.
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“Over a decade is enough time for the Nigerian authorities to find a solution to this horrifying problem,” Amnesty said, adding that “the reality shows, the government has neither the will nor the commitment to end rampant abductions and attacks on children and their schools.”
The organisation urged Nigerian authorities to uphold their obligations under national and international laws protecting children’s rights to education, safety and protection from violence.
The latest incidents in Oyo and Borno have further heightened concerns over insecurity and the safety of schools across the country, especially in vulnerable rural communities frequently targeted by armed groups.
