From Chibok to 2025: How Northern Nigerian Schools Became Target Place by Terrorists -By Umar Muhammad Bello

The year 2025 has been a year that reminded the people of Northern Nigeria of the terrible incidents that have occurred in the past, dating back to 2014.

If we recall, it was in 2014, on the night of April 14–15, that Boko Haram fighters stormed the Government Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, in northeastern Nigeria. They abducted over 250 schoolgirls, and to this day, some of the students remain in their captivity.

Following that incident, on February 19, 2018, the nation once again woke up to the abduction of more than 100 students from the Government Girls Science and Technical College, Dapchi, in Bursari Local Government Area of Yobe State, also in northeastern Nigeria.

In 2021, twin attacks occurred in schools across northern Nigeria. On February 12, 27 students were abducted from Government Science College, Kagara, in Niger State, in the north-central region. Later that same year, on February 26, Zamfara State also suffered an attack when criminals kidnapped over 250 students from Government Girls Science Secondary School, Jangebe, in the northwestern part of the country. Although the government later announced the release of the abducted students, the incidents left deep scars.

There were also other attacks at different times in places such as Kankara, Kuriga, and others. Records show that more than 1,400 students were abducted between 2014 and 2024, as reported by The Guardian newspaper on April 14, 2024.

In 2025, the situation worsened again with deadly attacks in Niger and Kebbi States, where criminals abducted more than 300 students.

So, where does the problem lie?

Is it that poor children are deliberately being discouraged from going to school?

Nigeria is a sovereign nation and a leading country in Africa, yet it has failed to protect its children from criminals. Despite the presence of security agencies such as the military and the police, and despite the huge sums allocated to security every year, one is left to wonder where these funds are going.

All the schools attacked are schools attended by children of the poor; none of the children of the country’s elite study there. Their children are abroad, receiving their education peacefully. This is why the government has not taken decisive steps to provide adequate security for schools across the country.

Similarly, these attacks may also be a means of livelihood for some individuals, who have turned kidnapping into a business.

In conclusion, if a law were enacted to prevent the children of political leaders and elites from studying abroad, it would certainly bring improvement to the education sector and enhance security in all schools across the country.

Alternatively, the government, from the President to lawmakers and governors, should engage experts and seek professional advice to find lasting solutions to this threat. It is shameful that a leading African nation cannot even guarantee security in its schools.