The Kulen Allah Cattle Rearers Association of Nigeria (KACRAN) has strongly condemned the recent abductions of secondary school students in Kebbi and Niger States, describing the incidents as a deepening national tragedy with far-reaching humanitarian and educational consequences.
In a statement signed by its National President, Khalil Bello, the association noted that the crisis had become so grave that President Bola Tinubu cancelled his planned trip to South Africa for the G20 Economic Summit to focus on national security concerns.
Bello lamented that the attacks targeted innocent students who had left home for the first time to pursue an education vital to the development of their states and the country at large. He warned that the emotional and psychological trauma inflicted on the young victims—as well as the anguish of parents enduring days of uncertainty—constitutes a humanitarian emergency.
He further criticised the closure of more than 40 federal secondary schools nationwide, alongside shutdowns ordered by the Niger and Katsina State governments, describing the development as a major setback for education in the North, already plagued by high numbers of out-of-school children. According to him, KACRAN is deeply troubled that criminals are increasingly directing their attacks at vulnerable children.
Bello added that the disruption caused by the kidnappings, including the President’s absence from the G20 meeting, had also dealt an economic and reputational blow to the country. He commended President Tinubu for his concern and empathy toward the victims and their families.
Reiterating its condemnation of all forms of violence, the association issued a heartfelt appeal to the kidnappers to release the students unharmed. “We urge them to fear God and consider the day of judgment. Nothing is gained from the suffering of small children and their poor families,” the statement read.
KACRAN also urged Nigerians across all divides to unite against violence and work collectively toward building an indivisible nation where future generations can thrive.
The group concluded by commending the Federal Government’s commitment to rescuing the abducted students and called on President Tinubu to urgently consider its comprehensive proposal aimed at resolving insecurity in the North-West and North-Central regions within six months.
