Kidnapping of 136 Students in Nigeria: Authorities Refuse Ransom Payment

Nigerian authorities confirmed on Wednesday that gunmen kidnapped 136 students from a school earlier this week. The Niger State government had initially reported the attack on the school in the town of Tegina on Monday but did not specify the number of abducted students. Armed gangs, locally referred to as "bandits," instill fear among residents in northwestern and central Nigeria, carrying out village raids, livestock theft, and kidnappings for ransom. According to AFP, more than 700 students and children have been kidnapped by gangs for ransom since December. The Niger State government tweeted late Wednesday that it "confirms that the number of students kidnapped by gang members at Salihu Tanko Islamic School in Tegina is 136." The state's deputy governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketsu, stated that security agencies "are doing their best, but they lack sufficient logistical capabilities." The attackers released 11 students who were "very small and could not walk" far, as authorities announced earlier. The Niger State government stated that it does not pay ransoms, with the deputy governor emphasizing, "We are trying to negotiate to see how we can bring them back safely."