82 Pupils Kidnapped in 3 Days: Amnesty Faults Nigeria’s Security Response

82 Pupils Kidnapped in 3 Days: Amnesty Faults Nigeria’s Security Response

Human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has raised fresh concerns over the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren by armed groups in northern and southern Nigeria, calling on authorities to urgently rescue the victims and strengthen security around schools nationwide.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the organisation described the incidents as “deeply alarming,” noting that schools, children and entire communities came under attack within a matter of days.

Amnesty International further accused authorities of repeatedly failing to thoroughly investigate school abductions or bring perpetrators to justice, stressing that victims and their families are often denied justice and adequate support.

The group maintained that the inability of authorities to guarantee the safety of citizens constitutes a violation of Nigeria’s obligations under both the constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

According to Amnesty International, no fewer than 82 schoolchildren were abducted between May 13 and 15, 2026, during separate attacks in Borno State and Oyo State.

The group said 42 pupils were kidnapped between May 13 and 14 after armed men attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas of Borno State.

It added that another 40 schoolchildren were reportedly abducted on May 15 when gunmen stormed communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The affected schools include Primary School and Government Day Junior Secondary School (GDSS) Mussa, Local Authority School in Askira Uba, as well as Ahoro-Esinele and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire LGA.

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• 82 Pupils Kidnapped in 3 Days: Amnesty Faults Nigeria’s Security Response

“The Nigerian authorities must take immediate and decisive action to investigate these incidents, rescue the victims safely, and adopt stronger preventive measures to end the relentless targeting of schools and children,” Amnesty International stated.

The organisation disclosed that some of the victims were as young as two years old, warning that persistent attacks on schools were deepening Nigeria’s education crisis.

“Many abducted children and teachers are never released by their abductors. The fear of abduction is forcing millions of children out of school,” the statement added.

IGP Disu Visits Attacked Oyo Communities, Deploys Tactical Teams for Victims Rescue 

Meanwhile, IGP Disu has visited communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State affected by the recent deadly attack and abduction along the Ogbomoso axis, announcing the deployment of additional tactical teams to rescue the kidnapped victims and restore security in the area.

He expressed deep concern over the attack, which claimed lives and left several residents abducted, describing the incident as cruel and unacceptable.

Disu assured residents, parents and guardians that the Nigeria Police Force, working in collaboration with other security agencies, had intensified coordinated search-and-rescue operations, intelligence gathering and security surveillance across the affected communities and adjoining forests.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the police chief directed the immediate deployment of additional tactical and intelligence assets to strengthen ongoing operations and ensure the safe return of the abducted victims.

The IGP was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police in Kwara State, CP Ojo Adekimi, due to the strategic proximity of the affected communities to border areas linking both states.

Also on the entourage was CP Abayomi Shogunle, Commissioner of Police for the Schools Protection Squad, as part of efforts to reinforce school safety and improve rapid response mechanisms in vulnerable communities.

During a security meeting with the Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, and other stakeholders, the IGP received operational briefings on ongoing rescue efforts and the wider security situation in the area.

Disu condoled with families of those who lost their lives in the attack and reassured residents that no effort would be spared in tracking down the perpetrators and restoring normalcy.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to combating criminality and protecting schools, communities and citizens across the country.

 

82 Pupils Kidnapped in 3 Days: Amnesty Faults Nigeria’s Security Response