Amnesty International Nigeria has confirmed a deadly attack on Government Science Secondary School, Raka, in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, where heavily armed bandits stormed the school late Saturday night. During the violent incursion, a teacher was shot and killed, while an undisclosed number of students and staff members were abducted.
In a statement released on Sunday, Amnesty International condemned the attack, describing it as a serious violation of international humanitarian law and a gross infringement on the fundamental right to education. The organization emphasized that the assault reflects the persistent inability of Nigerian authorities to guarantee the safety and protection of citizens, particularly in the northern regions where such violent incidents are increasing.
“This latest attack once again exposes the Nigerian authorities’ failure to protect lives and safeguard schools from armed groups. The abduction of students and destruction of educational facilities is not only a violation of international law but also jeopardizes the future of countless children in northern Nigeria,” Amnesty International stated.
The human rights body further expressed concern that recurring assaults on educational institutions undermine public confidence in the safety of schools and could have long-term consequences on education accessibility in conflict-prone areas.
“Children and teachers in Zamfara and other affected states are living in constant fear of attacks, which discourages school attendance and threatens the future of education in these communities,” the organization added.
Local residents told reporters that the attackers arrived in large numbers on motorcycles, heavily armed, and opened fire indiscriminately before abducting several individuals. Witnesses described scenes of chaos as students and teachers fled for safety.
As of Sunday afternoon, authorities had not released an official statement detailing the number of abductees or the current security measures being taken. Security forces are reportedly conducting search and rescue operations in the area, though details remain scant.
Zamfara State, like several other northwestern and north-central states, has witnessed a surge in banditry over the past few years, with armed groups frequently targeting schools, villages, and highways for ransom-driven kidnappings and violent attacks. The rising insecurity has prompted repeated calls from both domestic and international organizations for the Nigerian government to bolster security and prioritize the protection of civilians, especially vulnerable groups like schoolchildren.
Amnesty International urged the Nigerian government to act swiftly to secure the release of those abducted and to take immediate measures to prevent further attacks on schools. The organization also called for a thorough investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be brought to justice.
“Failure to act decisively only emboldens these criminal groups and further endangers the lives and futures of innocent Nigerians,” the statement concluded.
As the situation develops, families of students and staff anxiously await news of their loved ones, amid growing concerns over the region’s worsening security landscape.
