Nigeria reopens some schools in North despite ongoing threats of kidnap

Schools across parts of northern Nigeria began reopening on Monday, after months of closure triggered by the abduction of hundreds of students in November, Reuters reported.

The abductions last year had underlined the vulnerability of education facilities in a region plagued by criminal gangs and Islamist insurgents.

Schools resumed academic activities this term after the federal government said in a circular last month that enhanced security measures had created a safer environment for students to return. It did not provide details.

In Niger State, central Nigeria, where more than 300 students and staff were abducted in November, a majority of the schools remained shut for security reasons, state officials said.

Saint Mary’s Catholic School in the Papiri hamlet was among those that would not reopen yet, the Christian Association of Nigeria said, citing a statement from the state government directing areas facing security challenges to remain closed until further notice.

Explaining the continued closure of schools, Niger commissioner for education Hadiza Mohammed said “the safety of students, teachers, and school communities remains paramount.”