Human rights group, Amnesty International, has expressed deep concern over the recent abduction of dozens of schoolchildren by armed groups in parts of northern and southern Nigeria, urging authorities to take urgent steps to rescue the victims and secure schools across the country.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the organization described the incidents as “alarming,” noting that the attacks targeted schools, children and entire communities within days.
According to Amnesty International, at least 82 schoolchildren were abducted between May 13 and 15, 2026, during separate attacks in Borno State and Oyo State.
The rights group said 42 pupils were kidnapped on May 13 and 14 after armed groups attacked schools in Askira Uba and Chibok Local Government Areas of Borno State in Nigeria’s northeast.
It added that another 40 schoolchildren were reportedly abducted on May 15 after gunmen invaded communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The affected schools include Primary and Government Day Junior Secondary School (GDSS) Mussa, Local Authority School in Askira Uba, Ahoro-Esinele, and Community Grammar School, Ahoro-Esinele in Oriire LGA.
“The Nigerian authorities must take immediate and decisive action to investigate these incidents, rescue the victims safely, and take more concrete prevention measures to stop endless targeting of schools and children,” Amnesty International said.
The organization noted that some of the victims were as young as two years old, warning that repeated attacks on schools are worsening educational crisis in Nigeria.
“Many abducted children and teachers are never released by their abductors. The possibility of abduction is forcing millions of children to abandon education,” the statement said.
Amnesty International also accused authorities of repeatedly failing to investigate school abductions and prosecute perpetrators, saying victims and their families are often denied justice and effective remedies.
The group said the inability of authorities to guarantee the safety of citizens amounted to a violation of Nigeria’s obligations under the constitution and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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