Toronto, ON, November 19, 2025 – Armed men abducted 25 schoolgirls in Nigeria’s Kebbi State in the early hours of Monday, November 17, 2025, according to reports. Attackers killed the vice principal and abducted the principal along with the students.

Charles Usie, Country Director, Plan International Nigeria, condemns this abduction and calls for the immediate protection of children across Nigeria.

“This tragic incident reinforces the urgent need to strengthen the protection of children in all learning environments. It also reflects a distressing pattern of repeated attacks on schools across Nigeria,” said Usie.

“The country cannot continue to witness the abduction of children who simply want to learn. Every girl in Nigeria has a right to safety and education without fear. The kidnapping of the girls in Kebbi State is heartbreaking and completely unacceptable.

“This is not an isolated event. Nigeria has faced a disturbing history of school attacks including the abduction of the Chibok girls in 2014, the Dapchi girls in 2018, and multiple mass kidnappings by armed groups across the northern region.”

In 2021, 317 schoolgirls were abducted in Jangebe, Zamfara State. In the same year, students and teachers were taken from Government Science College Kagara in Niger State. In 2020, 303 school children were kidnapped from Government Science Secondary School Kankara in Katsina State.

“These recurring attacks continue to traumatize families and weaken the confidence of parents in both the education system and the ability of government to protect their children. We call for swift action by all security and intelligence agencies to locate and safely rescue the abducted girls and their principal.

“We also call for stronger community-based protection systems, improved early warning mechanisms, and increased investment in school safety across all states. Plan International stands with the families and communities affected by this attack.

“Our organization remains committed to supporting efforts that protect children, especially girls, and ensure that they can learn in safe and supportive environments. Every child deserves to go to school without fear. Every girl deserves to live and learn in safety. Nigeria must ensure that such tragedies are not repeated.”

About Plan International Canada

Plan International Canada is a member of a global organization dedicated to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International has been building powerful partnerships for children for over 85 years and is now active in more than 80 countries.

We stand with children, especially girls, wherever they are oppressed, exploited, left behind or not equally valued. We’re determined optimists and will continue to persevere until we are all equal.

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