Nigeria: at least 287 students kidnapped from a Kuriga school

Gunmen attacked a school in northwest Nigeria on Thursday morning and kidnapped at least 287 students .

 This is the second mass kidnapping in the West African country in less than a week. After this attack on the public school in Kuriga town, Kaduna State, residents are still in shock.

Kuriga resident Abdullahi Bello explains that "a teacher who led the school assembly was kidnapped. He said he could not escape because some students were counting on him to protect them."

“A security guard then fired into the air to try to scare the armed men away, but he was killed,” he added. 

Kidnappings of students from schools in northern Nigeria are common and have become a source of concern for authorities. In recent years, criminal gangs have repeatedly attacked schools, mainly in rural areas.

Uba Sani, Governor of Kaduna State, visited Kuriga to meet the families of the victims and reassure them:

" We also met with the parents of the children who were kidnapped. We even sent a strong message to the mothers. And we made them understand that one of the most important responsibilities of the government is to ensure that we protect the lives and property of our citizens ,” the governor said. 

In recent years, kidnappings have been concentrated in the northwest and central regions, where dozens of armed groups often target villagers and travelers in exchange for huge ransoms.