Claims That “Schoolchildren Have Been Kidnapped,” Says Rufai, Rattle Debate on Insecurity
A statement attributed to Rufai claiming that “schoolchildren have been kidnapped” has sparked concern and renewed debate over the long‑standing issue of school abductions across parts of Nigeria.
What Is Being Claimed
According to reports circulated online, Rufai purportedly warned that mass kidnappings of students are intensifying, pointing to the vulnerability of schools amid rising insecurity.
However, efforts to trace this specific quote to a reliable Parallel Facts News article were unsuccessful; the site’s publicly archived content does not clearly show an item under that exact headline. (“Parallel Facts” archive listing.)
It’s unclear which “Rufai” is being referenced, whether it’s a media figure, a political leader, or someone else entirely, because the available sources do not provide sufficient context or identification.
Broader Context: Nigeria’s School Kidnapping Crisis
Kidnapping of schoolchildren has become a recurring and deeply rooted security challenge in Nigeria.
For example, in March 2024, over 200 pupils were abducted from a school in Kuriga, Kaduna State, in one of the largest mass school kidnappings in recent memory.
Lawmakers and civil society have repeatedly raised the alarm: the House of Representatives has condemned these abductions, calling for stronger protection of schools and proactive security strategies.
Security analysts note that many of these kidnappings are committed by armed criminal groups seeking ransom, turning school abductions into a “business model.”
Question Marks and Calls for Clarification
Given the difficulties in verifying the original “Rufai” quote via Parallel Facts, observers are calling for more transparency: Who made the claim, under what circumstances, and is there reliable documentation?
Some analysts warn that unconfirmed or poorly sourced statements risk inflaming public fear — particularly when tied to such a sensitive and emotional issue as children’s safety.
There are also renewed calls for the federal and state governments to bolster their responses: deploying security around schools, strengthening intelligence gathering, and ensuring swift, accountable investigations when abductions happen.