Kidnapping of exam-bound students highlights ongoing threats to education and civilian safety.
Armed men have abducted a group of secondary school students traveling to university entrance exams in Benue State, in what authorities describe as the first reported student kidnapping of the year.
The attack occurred along the road linking Makurdi to Otukpo, according to Governor Hyacinth Alia, who condemned the incident as “cowardly.” While the exact number of victims remains unclear, local reports suggest that at least 17 students are missing.
The identity of the attackers has not yet been confirmed, but kidnappings by armed groups and militants are a recurring security challenge across Nigeria. Such incidents frequently target travelers, schoolchildren, and rural communities.
Security forces have launched search and rescue operations, with authorities pledging to use all available resources to locate the victims. The incident has reignited public concern over the effectiveness of government efforts to curb mass abductions, which continue to disrupt education, trade, and daily life.
The broader insecurity has also drawn international attention. Donald Trump has previously cited violence in Nigeria when raising concerns about potential intervention, though Nigerian authorities maintain that insecurity affects communities across religious lines.
As families await news, the abduction underscores the urgent need for stronger security measures to protect civilians, particularly students, in vulnerable regions.
Source: Newstimehub
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