Education Minister Tunji Alausa Explains the Surge in Schoolchildren Abductions in Nigeria

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has shed light on the recent wave of schoolchildren abductions in Nigeria, attributing the incidents to underlying political motives. Speaking during the “2025 in Retrospect: Charting a Pathway into 2026” programme on Channels Television, Alausa emphasized that these attacks were carefully orchestrated to destabilize the nation and embarrass the government.

According to the Minister, “For more than 20 months, there were no reported abductions in any schools across the country. However, in the past few weeks, we’ve observed coordinated attacks with political undertones. These actions aim to undermine the government, but it is important to know that President Bola Tinubu strongly opposes politicizing such sensitive matters.”

Recent reports from LMSINT MEDIA confirm a troubling increase in abductions targeting schoolchildren in several states. Notably, at least 24 female students were kidnapped from a Government Secondary School in Kebbi State, though authorities later reported their safe release.

In a separate incident, more than 200 students were abducted from a Catholic private school in Niger State. Fortunately, about 50 of the children escaped, while the federal government announced that all remaining students have since been reunited with their families.

Minister Alausa’s statement highlights the ongoing challenges Nigeria faces in ensuring the safety of its schoolchildren. The government continues to strengthen security measures, working closely with law enforcement agencies to prevent future abductions and reassure parents of the safety of educational institutions nationwide.

These incidents underscore the urgent need for continued vigilance, community cooperation, and proactive strategies to protect the country’s most vulnerable citizens—its children.