80+ children missing after fresh militant attacks on schools in Nigeria

In the northeastern state of Borno State, militants abducted at least 42 children from a primary school between Wednesday and Thursday in the Askira Uba and Chibok areas.

According to Amnesty International, the attack occurred in Mussa village near Sambisa Forest, a known stronghold of Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province.

Meanwhile, in the southwestern state of Oyo State, two secondary schools were attacked within hours of each other on Friday, with at least 40 students abducted, Amnesty said. Such incidents are uncommon in the region.

Local official Peter Wabba said authorities informed him that 48 children were taken in the Oyo attacks.

“The government is assuring us that they are doing their possible best to see that these children are rescued but up till now, we are still waiting,” he told The Associated Press.

Amnesty criticised the authorities for failing to follow through on investigations and bring perpetrators to justice, saying victims and their families are often denied justice.

Police said three suspects were arrested in connection with the Oyo attack in the Oriire area, about 220 kilometers from Lagos, after being identified by local residents. It remains unclear if more suspects are being pursued.

The rights group also warned that repeated abductions are discouraging school attendance, with some families withdrawing children—especially girls—from school and forcing early marriages out of fear.

Kidnappings of students have become a recurring security challenge in Nigeria, particularly in the north. Last year alone, more than 300 children were abducted in two major school attacks.

Analysts say armed groups often target schools to attract attention and exert pressure on authorities, making such institutions increasingly vulnerable, reports UNB.