How many more children need to be abducted, how many more lives lost, before the government shows real political will and strengthens security in a way that actually works?

Development Diaries reports that students and teachers of St. Mary’s School, a Catholic institution in Papiri community, Agwara local government area of Niger State, were abducted in the early hours of Friday, 21 November, 2025.

According to media reports, the number of pupils abducted cannot be ascertained for now, as revealed by the Secretary to the state government, Abubakar Usman.

Nigeria is yet to recover from the abduction incidents in Kebbi and Kwara states, yet another has occurred in Niger State.

What is being done differently to stop this pattern from repeating? It is clear that reactive measures, search-and-rescue operations, suspending school activities, and temporary security directives are not enough to make children feel safe or to restore public confidence in the authorities.

The international spotlight on Nigeria, particularly the U.S. reviewing its ‘country of particular concern’ designation, adds pressure.

How many more abductions and killings need to take place before the government carries out action that actually works?

It’s time for President Bola Tinubu, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Education, the Inspector General of Police, and the service chiefs to move beyond statements and temporary measures.

How will they ensure that schools are protected proactively, not reactively? What concrete strategies will the federal government and state security agencies put in place to prevent these tragedies from repeating?

Citizens want clear action and accountability before another child’s life is disrupted, or worse, lost.

Photo source: Sunday Alamba/AP