In Nigeria, schoolchildren on their way to an exam were kidnapped by an armed group

Another tragic event has occurred in Nigeria. In this country, considered one of the most complex on the African continent in terms of security, in the state of Benue, schoolchildren were kidnapped by an armed group. It has been reported that the incident took place on 16 April of this year.

According to reports, senior students were attacked while travelling to take entrance exams to a higher education institution. The criminals had been waiting in ambush near the motorway connecting the cities of Makurdi and Otukpo. According to official sources, a total of 18 students were taken to an unknown destination.

The deterioration of the security situation in the country is also confirmed by statistical data. Since the beginning of 2025, cases of violence in the northern regions of Nigeria have increased significantly — by 71%. Experts emphasise that this negative trend is caused by the increased activity of armed groups, the economic crisis and the high level of unemployment among the population.

The most distressing aspect is that the main targets of such crimes are often innocent citizens and young people. Criminals seek material gain by holding students hostage and demanding large sums of money or property from their family members.

At present law enforcement agencies are carrying out large-scale measures to find and rescue the kidnapped young people. This event shows that such actions pose a serious threat not only to Nigeria internal security but also to the stability of the entire region.