Parents’ Desperation Grows as Over 250 Children Remain Missing in Nigeria

More than two weeks have passed since a devastating kidnapping in Nigeria, and over 250 children remain unaccounted for. The incident occurred at St Mary’s Catholic boarding school in Niger state on November 21, 2023, marking one of the most significant abductions in the country since the infamous Chibok kidnappings in 2014.

Parents are experiencing profound anguish as they await news of their missing children. One parent, Sunday Gbazali, described his turmoil, stating, “I used to hear about abductions in the news, but I never knew the pain until it happened to me.” His 14-year-old son was taken during the attack. Gbazali expressed his distress, saying, “We don’t know if he is sick, healthy, or even alive. How can we find peace when we do not know his current condition?” His wife is struggling to cope, crying constantly and barely sleeping.

The situation has prompted frustration among parents who feel the government’s response has been inadequate. Gbazali remarked, “They (the police) are just telling us to exercise patience, that they are trying to rescue the children.” Another parent, Emmanuel Bala, who leads the school’s parent-teacher association and has a 13-year-old daughter among the missing, voiced similar concerns. He shared that the government has yet to provide any meaningful updates, stating, “The past two weeks have not been easy at all. It is not something that people can imagine. We are feeling deeply sad.”

Many parents had hoped for swift action following a meeting with national security adviser Nuhu Ribadu, but as time passes, optimism is waning. One civil servant from Niger state, who chose to remain anonymous for fear of repercussions, expressed disappointment, saying, “Unfortunately, days have passed, and we are left with little hope.”

Government Response and Rising Insecurity

The Nigerian government has faced criticism over its handling of security threats, particularly in the wake of this latest tragedy. Following the kidnapping, President Bola Tinubu declared a nationwide security emergency and announced plans to recruit thousands of additional military and police personnel to combat rising violence. Ribadu assured local leaders that “the children are doing fine and will be back soon,” though these statements have not alleviated public concern.

The Christian Association of Nigeria reported that a total of 303 children and 12 staff members were abducted during the attack. While fifty pupils managed to escape shortly after the assailants struck, the fate of the remaining children remains unknown. Some victims are as young as six years old.

The attack has brought international attention to Nigeria’s ongoing security challenges, which have persisted for over a decade. President Tinubu has faced scrutiny for the government’s response to violence against vulnerable communities, particularly Christians, a sentiment echoed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The kidnappers, whose identities remain undisclosed, are believed to be hiding in Nigeria’s dense forests, and no ransom has been demanded thus far. The lack of information and action has left parents in a state of despair, grappling with the uncertainty of their children’s safety.

As the days stretch on without resolution, the emotional toll on families continues to escalate. The situation remains critical as parents hold onto hope for the safe return of their children while grappling with the harsh realities of insecurity in Nigeria.