School Abduction In Nigeria: Matters Arising -By Tabitha Patrick Iliya

For years, school abductions have been a tragic and all-too-common occurrence in Nigeria. Hundreds of children are abducted every year, with devastating consequences for the victims and their families. In this article, we’ll explore the root causes of this problem, as well as the consequences and potential solutions. It’s our hope that by understanding the issue in depth, we can work together to end this scourge and create more peaceful future for all.

 Poverty is one of the leading root causes of school abductions in Nigeria. In areas where poverty is prevalent, young people often lack access to education, job opportunities, and other resources that could help them build a better future. Without these resources, some of our youth has unfortunately see crime as a means of survive, they are recruited by criminal gangs who promise them a way out of poverty. 

We can look at the examples, like the abduction of over 200 girls from a school in Chibok in 2014, or the abduction of over 300 students from a school in Sokoto in 2021. Let’s not forget the recent one that took place at Kaduna, where over 280 pupil and teachers of Government Secondary School and LEA primary school at Kuriga, Kaduna State were abducted by bandits on March 8, and that of Tsangaya students at Gidan Bakuso area of Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State. 

In addition to the immediate impact of school abductions, there are long-term effects that can last for years or even generations. 

Survivors of school abductions often experience PTSD, depression, and other mental health issues. They may also have difficulty trusting others and engaging in social activities. This can lead to social isolation and difficulty reintegrating into the community. The families of survivors may also experience these issues, as well as feelings of guilt and helplessness. In some cases, these effects can be passed down from generation to generation.

In addition, psychological effects of school abductions. Many victims of school abductions experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can manifest in a variety of ways. Some people may have flashbacks or nightmares, while others may feel anxious, depressed, or irritable. It’s not uncommon for victims to struggle with trust issues, isolation, and anger. We’ll discuss some specific examples of these effects, as well as the steps that victims and their families can take to cope with them.

But when communities are engaged in the safety of their schools, they’re more likely to feel responsible for the well-being of their schools. This can lead to greater vigilance in identifying potential threats and a greater willingness to take action when there is a threat.

The government can play a crucial role in supporting and facilitating community engagement efforts. They can provide resources and training to help communities develop their own plans for protecting their schools. Additionally, the government can create policies and laws that promote school safety. It will be good if the government and the community will improved security measures, with things like security cameras, metal detectors, and trained security guards.

 The media can play a crucial role in educating the public about the issue of school abductions. They can also help to raise awareness of the problem and encourage people to take action to protect their schools. Additionally, the media can report on school abductions in a way that is sensitive and respectful to the victims and their families. 

NGOs  can provide emergency relief, such as food, water, and shelter to victims and their families. They can also offer long-term support, such as vocational training, microfinance, and psychosocial support. And they can work to build capacity within communities to prevent future abductions.

 Schools should have clear, well-rehearsed emergency plans in place. This includes having designated evacuation routes and safe locations, as well as procedures for notifying authorities and families. Additionally, schools should conduct regular drills to ensure that everyone knows what to do in an emergency. 

 Schools and government should provide support services, such as counseling and crisis response teams. In addition, schools should work with local agencies to ensure that victims and their families have access to the resources they need to recover. 

To sum up, there are many possible solutions to the problem of school abductions in Nigeria. These include increased security, economic opportunity, cross-cultural understanding, improved technology, and international cooperation. By working together, we can make progress towards creating a safer environment for everyone. 

Tabitha Patrick Iliya 

tpiliya1@gmail.com