Nigeria's government is making no meaningful effort to rescue over 250 children abducted from a Catholic boarding school in the central state of Niger last Friday, according to Bishop Bulus Dauwa Yohanna. This serious concern was raised during an interview with the BBC, highlighting an alarming trend of school kidnappings in the region.
The police chief of Niger State, however, has refuted these claims, suggesting that the school did not cooperate effectively with their search and rescue operations. Reports indicate that various criminal gangs have been involved in such kidnappings, primarily aimed at ransom.
Amidst the crisis, notable international figures, including former US President Donald Trump, have threatened military intervention if the Nigerian government fails to protect Christians.
The kidnapping spree raises questions about Nigeria's overall security landscape, which has seen increased violence against both Christian and Muslim communities. Despite government reassurances, the situation remains critical, with parents withdrawing their children from boarding schools due to safety concerns.
Bishop Yohanna stated that thus far, the only action taken by the government is the collection of names of the abducted students, which he described as grossly insufficient. He disputed claims made by officials that the church was negligent in responding to prior threats against the school. As the search for the missing children continues amidst rising tensions, the call for a more effective and coordinated rescue effort grows louder.
The police chief of Niger State, however, has refuted these claims, suggesting that the school did not cooperate effectively with their search and rescue operations. Reports indicate that various criminal gangs have been involved in such kidnappings, primarily aimed at ransom.
Amidst the crisis, notable international figures, including former US President Donald Trump, have threatened military intervention if the Nigerian government fails to protect Christians.
The kidnapping spree raises questions about Nigeria's overall security landscape, which has seen increased violence against both Christian and Muslim communities. Despite government reassurances, the situation remains critical, with parents withdrawing their children from boarding schools due to safety concerns.
Bishop Yohanna stated that thus far, the only action taken by the government is the collection of names of the abducted students, which he described as grossly insufficient. He disputed claims made by officials that the church was negligent in responding to prior threats against the school. As the search for the missing children continues amidst rising tensions, the call for a more effective and coordinated rescue effort grows louder.
