Nigeria: Boko Haram claims to have abducted hundreds of students

The militant group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for abducting hundreds of students in northwestern Iraq. This is Boko Haram's first attack in this part of the country since its inception more than a decade ago. According to the foreign news agency 'AFP', Boko Haram and its rival group Islamic State in West Africa Province (SWAP) have so far carried out mischief in the northeastern part of Nigeria and neighboring countries Cameroon, Chad and Niger. ۔ The kidnappers have made contact with the government, said Amino Belo Masari, governor of the Nigerian state of Katsina. "Talks are underway with the kidnappers to ensure the safe return of the children."

The abductors of our Children have made contacts with the Government and talks are ongoing to ensure their safety and return to their respective families.

The security agencies deployed for rescue operations have also informed us that they have located their position.

— Aminu Bello Masari (@GovernorMasari) December 14, 2020

The number of abducted students is not yet clear. However, Nigerian military spokesman General John Enichi told TV channels that 333 students were missing after heavy-armed gunmen attacked a boys' secondary school in the town of Kankara. Friday's attack in the volatile region was initially blamed on so-called robbers who often carry out kidnappings for ransom. The army has since said it has identified the hideouts of the "robbers" where the military operation is underway. The government has not yet responded to the allegations, but if Boko Haram's involvement in the abduction is confirmed, it could change the whole picture. A four-minute voice recording from the Boko Haram channel told AFP: "I am Abu Bakr Sheikh and our brother is behind the kidnapping in Katzina." The voice bears a striking resemblance to the voice of Abubakar Sheikho, who was also involved in the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Cheboksary, an incident that was condemned internationally. It should be noted that for some time now, there have been fears that Boko Haram and Swap are gaining ground in the northwestern part of the country.

 The militant group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for abducting hundreds of students in northwestern Iraq.

This is Boko Haram's first attack in this part of the country since its inception more than a decade ago.

According to the news agency, Boko Haram and its rival group Islamic State in West Africa Province (SWAP) have so far carried out the mischief in the northeastern part of Nigeria and neighboring countries Cameroon, Chad and Niger. ۔

The kidnappers have made contact with the government, said Amino Belo Masari, governor of the Nigerian state of Katsina.

"Talks are underway with the kidnappers to ensure the safe return of the children," 

The number of abducted students is not yet clear.

However, Nigerian military spokesman General John Enichi told TV channels that 333 students were missing after heavy-armed gunmen attacked a boys' secondary school in the town of Kankara.

Friday's attack in the volatile region was initially blamed on so-called robbers who often carry out kidnappings for ransom.

The army has since said it has identified the hideouts of the "robbers" where the military operation is underway.

The government has not yet responded to the allegations, but if Boko Haram's involvement in the abduction is confirmed, it could change the whole picture.

A four-minute voice recording from the Boko Haram channel told AFP: "I am Abu Bakr Sheikh and our brother is behind the kidnapping in Katzina."

The voice bears a striking resemblance to the voice of Abubakar Sheikho, who was also involved in the 2014 abduction of 276 schoolgirls from Cheboksary, an incident that was condemned internationally.

It should be noted that for some time now, there have been fears that Boko Haram and Swap are gaining ground in the northwestern part of the country.