22/11/2025
AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL
22 November 2025
Press Release
Nigeria Is Failing Children in a Horrifying Manner
The Nigerian authorities are failing children, as over 230 children in the north were abducted by gunmen this week, after their abduction during two mass attacks on schools that also interrupted the education of thousands of children because of closure of hundreds of schools in Katsina, Plateau and other states.
The latest wave of horrific attacks on schools in Kebbi and Niger state, clearly show Nigerian authorities never cared to learn any lessons from such previous incidents in which some school children were also killed by gunmen.
"School children in some parts of northern Nigeria are constantly at the risk death or abduction. More than 780 children were abducted for ransom in 2021 during mass attacks on schools or religious institutions, with some of the children killed during the attacks," said Isa Sanusi Director Amnesty International Nigeria
"The future of thousands of school children in Northern Nigeria remains bleak, as hundreds of schools in some states have been closed indefinitely due to rising insecurity. Hundreds of children will entirely abandon education due to the psychological trauma of witnessing violent attacks or living in captivity," said Isa Sanusi
Some teachers in Zamfara, Katsina and Niger state told Amnesty International that insecurity has drastically reduced school attendance since 2021, as children are afraid of attending schools even when forced by their parents. Underaged girls are having their education terminated, as they are increasingly married up in the name of shielding them from possible abduction at schools.
When education institutions are targeted or attacked, the damage and consequences can be major and far-reaching. The protection of children’s lives is paramount, and the Nigerian authorities have a duty to ensure that the country’s educational sector is not further threatened by the abductions, intimidation and killing of school children.
"There is a deliberate attack on children by armed groups. Using children as shields or bargaining chips is unacceptable and must stop. The Nigeria government must investigate these attacks as war crimes and crimes against humanity," said Isa Sanusi
"No child should go through what children are going through now in northern Nigeria. Education should not be a matter of life and death for anyone. Nigeria is failing children once again in a horrifying manner," said Isa Sanusi
Attacks on schools, abductions and killings of school children demonstrate an absolute disregard for the right to life and the right to education. The Nigerian authorities must provide protection for schools and children. Attacks on schools are a violation of international law and the authorities must ensure that these attacks are properly investigated, and alleged perpetrators brought to justice in fair trials.
