30 States Shun Safe Schools Initiative As Abductions Surge
Despite escalating school attacks, 30 states have yet to implement the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative, launched in 2014 to protect learning environments. Funding gaps, weak state commitment and unfurnished coordination centres have stalled progress, leaving schools exposed.
The impact is evident: in November alone, 24 students were abducted in Kebbi State, while 303 pupils and 12 teachers were seized in Niger State—one of Nigeria’s worst mass kidnappings in recent years.
Stakeholders, including NAPTAN, NANS and CSOs, criticised the non-implementation, saying governments have abandoned a crucial safety framework.
Meanwhile, Kogi raised alarm over the relocation of bandit leaders to the state, introducing tighter restrictions. The FCT and Niger also recorded fresh abductions, with police launching operations to rescue victims.
Officials warn that without urgent funding and full state participation, schools will remain vulnerable across the country.
