Once Again, Nigeria’s Education Under Siege –By Matthew Ma

The abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Kebbi State has reopened deep wounds, serving as a painful reminder of the notorious kidnapping of the Chibok girls in 2014. Over a decade later, our nation faces the same tragedy, the same terror, and the same troubling questions about why our children remain unprotected. These repeated attacks are not isolated incidents; they reflect a security framework that continually fails to safeguard our most vulnerable individuals: our children. The parallels to the Chibok tragedy are striking and cannot be overlooked. Once more, young girls, eager to learn, have been violently abducted from their classrooms. Once again, parents are left in anguish, anxiously fearing for the fate of their missing daughters. Once more, the world watches as Nigeria struggles to protect its students from criminal groups that exploit fragile security systems for political and financial gain. The assurance that “Chibok will never happen again” feels hollow as the same heartbreaking circumstances continue to unfold in our schools.

The recent abduction, which led to the tragic loss of a vice principal, has brought to the forefront memories of a meticulously planned campaign of attacks that has plagued schools for the past decade. Recent reports regarding the abduction in Kebbi, shared by Ayobami on Twitter and reported by Arise TV, reveal that the DSS had previously notified the State Government about a potential attack on the school. In response, the Governor called for an emergency security meeting to explore strategies for preventing the kidnapping. Following this meeting, the government deployed heavily armed military personnel to secure the school. Upon their arrival, the security forces conducted emergency drills with the students and took photographs for social media. Unfortunately, just 30 minutes after the armed personnel left the school, terrorists carried out their attack. While one brave student managed to escape her captors, her remarkable act of courage does little to alleviate the harsh reality her peers face. The accuracy of these allegations remains uncertain, but if true, one question persists: Is attending school in Nigeria worth the risk?

For years, bandits and insurgents have increasingly targeted schools in Nigeria, marking them as vulnerable and strategic locations for their operations. These groups have used mass abductions as a means to instill fear within communities, gain leverage over the government, extract substantial ransoms, and undermine public trust in governmental institutions that are meant to protect citizens. Each successful raid sends a chilling message: classrooms, which should serve as safe havens for learning and personal development, have become perilous environments where violence can erupt at any moment. For countless children in the region, the journey to school has become a dangerous undertaking, riddled with threats to their safety and well-being. Reports indicate that these young learners face not only the worry of academic challenges but also the very real dangers of violence, intimidation, and even abduction on their way to and from educational institutions. This persistent threat has led to a painful and significant shift among parents, many of whom are withdrawing their children—particularly daughters—from the educational system altogether. The actions of the parents not only jeopardize their children’s educational opportunities but also contribute to a broader education crisis in Nigeria, one that the nation cannot afford to ignore.

The kidnapping in Kebbi highlights a significant systemic failure that extends well beyond the immediate incident itself. In the days following the kidnapping, we witnessed a grave and related security incident involving an attack on a church in Kwara State, which further highlights the broader issue of insecurity. A live-streamed video captured terrorists assaulting the Kwara State branch of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) in Eruku, resulting in the deaths of at least three individuals and the abduction of approximately ten worshippers, including the pastor. The killing has political repercussions, with some framing it as part of a “Christian genocide” narrative, while the government expends efforts debating terminology. Despite President Tinubu’s repeated assurances over the years, there has been a noticeable lack of progress in implementing a comprehensive, practical framework to protect educational institutions nationwide. In the aftermath of the Chibok incident, one would expect that school infrastructures would be reinforced, intelligence gathering would be improved, and coordinated rapid-response systems would be put in place. However, rural schools continue to operate with minimal security measures without reliable early warning systems. The Nigerian government continues to debate whether the killings occurring in the country can be classified as genocide. Various stakeholders, including policymakers, human rights organizations, and legal experts, are weighing the implications of such a classification, as it carries significant legal and moral responsibilities at both national and international levels. The debate about terminology diverts our attention from the main issue: deep-seated concerns over the safety of citizens and the government’s ability to address the rising tide of violence effectively.

In a nation like Nigeria, we lack adequate surveillance cameras to monitor criminals’ hideouts and do not possess sufficient forensic tools to detect fingerprints. Resources and personnel that could be dedicated to enhancing community safety are instead deployed to protect private lands. Amid these challenges, it is disheartening to realize that military personnel, who have sworn to uphold the nation’s security, often lack the commitment to protect civilians. The statement “I am not a fool,” which serves as a bold declaration of courage, resonates more deeply with ordinary civilians than with those who engage in illicit activities, such as bandits. This discrepancy highlights a troubling misalignment in how society values bravery. It raises significant concerns about the commitment of security forces to safeguarding the average citizen’s safety and well-being. Instead of prioritizing the protection of innocent civilians, there seems to be a tendency to focus on guarding retired generals and their properties rather than arresting criminal elements. The Nigerian Army, once celebrated for its bravery and resilience, currently faces an unprecedented period of weakness. This decline can be attributed to a combination of factors, including logistical challenges and the increasing complexity of security threats in the country. As a result, the Army’s ability to effectively respond to insurgencies and maintain peace has been significantly hampered, raising concerns about national security and the safety of civilians.

The consequences of this tragic failure are profoundly catastrophic. Nigeria consistently faces one of the highest rates of out-of-school children in the world, a crisis that is exacerbated by the alarming frequency of kidnappings. Each abduction not only contributes to the already staggering statistics but also amplifies existing educational inequalities, locking entire communities in a relentless cycle of poverty and despair. The circumstances are especially critical for girls, whose abductions result in severe and far-reaching consequences. Victims frequently endure significant long-term trauma, which can lead to forced marriages, the sudden interruption of their education, and lasting psychological effects that impede their ability to succeed. Education serves as the most potent instrument for disrupting cycles of poverty, empowering women, and fortifying communities. When schools are transformed into battlegrounds, enrollment declines, particularly among girls, as families withdraw their daughters from classrooms out of fear, leading entire communities to regress. Nigeria, already facing one of the highest rates of out-of-school children globally, cannot afford such a setback.

Government officials have consistently condemned the recent attack, echoing similar statements made in the past whenever such tragedies occur. However, this repetitive cycle of mere verbal disapproval is no longer adequate. There is an urgent and widespread demand among Nigerians for prompt, coordinated, and sustainable action to ensure the safety of our children and educational institutions. To ensure the safety of our children, the government must implement robust security measures around schools, particularly in areas identified as high-risk due to previous incidents of violence and abduction. Government assurances must manifest as tangible actions. Safeguarding schools transcends mere security concerns; it is a critical national development priority. Nigeria requires a cohesive strategy that integrates security agencies, local communities, traditional leaders, and civil society. Schools should be outfitted with trained security personnel, strengthened perimeters, and effective emergency communication systems. Most importantly, accountability must be established and upheld when failures occur.

The government cannot win this war alone; it must engage local communities in planning and implementing formal security operations. Historically, these communities have frequently been left to navigate threats without adequate support or resources from authorities. This disengagement not only diminishes the community’s trust in security institutions but also amplifies their susceptibility to various dangers. When local voices and perspectives are excluded from decision-making, it creates a disconnect between the security measures imposed and the community’s actual needs and realities. As a result, security initiatives become ineffective or even counterproductive, further alienating and frustrating residents. Nigeria cannot continue reacting to tragedy; it must prevent it. The price of inaction is reflected in stolen futures, shattered families, and a nation that is increasingly falling behind. Thus, if the Kebbi abduction teaches us anything, it is that the specter of Chibok still looms—and until decisive measures are implemented, it will continue to cast a shadow over classrooms throughout the country.

Therefore, the incident in Kebbi is a troubling reflection of the grim reality that, despite numerous promises from government officials, the implementation of policies aimed at safeguarding educational institutions, and the widespread public outrage in the wake of the Chibok tragedy, schools—especially in northern Nigeria—continue to be alarmingly susceptible to violence and abduction. This incident starkly indicates that the painful lessons learned from the Chibok episode have not been fully absorbed or acted upon. It brings to light the ongoing security deficiencies that not only allowed the initial abduction to occur but continue to threaten the safety of countless students today. In the face of these challenges, the societal implications are profound: educational aspirations are stifled, trust in the government wanes, and a cycle of fear perpetuates a generation that deserves the right to education without the looming threat of violence. The Kebbi incident underscores the urgent need for action, emphasizing that the safety of our children must be prioritized and that comprehensive measures must be enacted to ensure schools are sanctuaries of learning rather than environments of risk.

The sentiment surrounding the kidnapping of school children is clear and cannot be ignored: Nigeria must take immediate and decisive action to ensure that a tragedy like the Chibok incident is never repeated. The safety and well-being of our children should not be subject to debate or compromise; they are fundamental obligations we owe to our youth and future generations. Therefore, we must create an environment in which our children can thrive in safety and peace. We owe it to future generations not only to respond to these threats but also to take actionable steps toward sustainable solutions. The time for action is now; we cannot afford to delay any longer, as every moment lost is a risk to our children’s lives and futures. Let us come together to ensure that their right to safety and education is upheld, valuing human life above all else.

Rev. Ma, S. J., is a Jesuit Catholic priest of the North West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.