Hundreds Abducted as Ethnic Violence Intensifies in Nigeria; Schools and Children in Crisis

Hundreds Abducted as Ethnic Violence Intensifies in Nigeria; Schools and Children in Crisis
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Nigerian authorities and residents report a sharp escalation in armed attacks by militant groups in northeastern Nigeria, with devastating impacts on civilians, schools and education.

More than 300 people — including women and children — were abducted by armed militants who stormed the town of Ngoshe in Borno State on Friday, according to local officials and lawmakers. The assault, which came as many residents were breaking their Ramadan fast, reportedly included attacks on a military base and a camp for internally displaced people. Local media and community sources stated that many people were killed, including civilians, soldiers and local elders, though exact figures remain unclear due to ongoing insecurity.

No group has formally claimed responsibility, but officials believe the raid was likely retaliation for the recent killing of three Boko Haram commanders by the Nigerian military. A Nigerian senator described the number of fatalities as “massive,” though precise figures are not yet confirmed.

The violence in Ngoshe follows a broader pattern of increased attacks by Islamist militant groups, including Boko Haram and its breakaway faction Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), as well as other armed gangs exploiting weak security in rural areas. Analysts say militants are now using tactics such as motorbike raids and drones to scout targets, making it harder for security forces to respond in time.

The surge in violence has compounded an existing crisis affecting education across northern and central Nigeria. In recent years, militants have repeatedly targeted schools, abducting students and teachers, shutting down classrooms and forcing families to keep children home out of fear.

In March 2025, more than 227 students were kidnapped from a school in the town of Kuria in one of the largest mass school abductions in recent memory.

In a separate incident, at least 315 children and teachers were abducted from a Catholic school, shocking families and drawing international attention.

Rights groups and international organizations warn that without urgent measures to protect schools, registration and regular school attendance will continue to decline, threatening the long-term development and human capital of Nigeria’s youth.