Recent reports highlight ongoing concerns over mass abductions in Nigeria, as another incident occurred last week involving 20 medical students from the University of Maiduguri and the University of Jos. The students were kidnapped in Otukpo, Benue State, while en route to a conference in Enugu State. Thankfully, they were rescued, with authorities confirming that no ransom was paid.

This latest case underscores a troubling trend of mass abductions under President Bola Tinubu’s administration. Nigeria’s history with such incidents began with the 2014 abduction of the Chibok girls, followed by the Dapchi girls. Despite President Tinubu’s promise to tackle “terrorism and general insecurity,” recent reports from DAILY POST indicate that banditry and kidnapping for ransom remain prevalent.

Several major abductions have occurred in recent months:

**287 Pupils in Kuriga**
On March 7, 2024, a gang kidnapped 287 pupils from a secondary school in Kuriga, Kaduna State. The abductors demanded a ransom of N1 billion. Although the government publicly rejects ransom payments, questions persist about how the pupils were eventually released after two weeks.

**24 Students at the University of Gusau**
In September 2023, bandits took 24 students and staff from the Federal University of Gusau. The victims were held for over seven months before their release. Details regarding any ransom payments remain unclear.

**61 People in Kajuru**
Following the Kuriga abduction, 87 people were kidnapped in Kajuru. The attack mirrored the Kuriga incident, with experts suggesting it aimed to reinforce bandits’ control in Kaduna State. Some hostages were later released, but information about ransom payments is not available.

**17 Abducted in Gidan Bakuso**
On March 9, 2024, armed groups abducted 15 children from an Islamic school in Sokoto and 17 students from a boarding school in Gidan Bakuso.

**Five Students and Three Teachers in Ekiti**
In January 2024, five students, three teachers, and a driver were abducted from Apostolic Faith School in Ekiti State. After six days in captivity, they were released, and police arrested several suspects believed to be behind the abduction.

The persistent and high-profile nature of these kidnappings raises serious concerns about the effectiveness of Nigeria’s security measures and the government’s ability to address these ongoing crises.