“They Have Long Failed to Protect Schoolchildren” — US Senator Calls Out Nigerian Government, Vows to Hold Them Accountable

The United States Senate Foreign Relations Committee has pledged to hold the Nigerian government accountable for failing to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks. Committee Chairman Senator Jim Risch made the statement on the committee’s verified X account, highlighting ongoing threats to schoolchildren in the country.

Risch criticized Nigeria for its inability to safeguard students from jihadist and criminal abductions, noting that little progress has been made. He emphasized that students, particularly girls, remain vulnerable to enslavement, forced conversion, and ransom. “As the U.S. engages the Nigerian government on the persecution of its most vulnerable citizens, we will continue to hold them accountable,” he said.

The remarks came just 48 hours after terrorists abducted approximately 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Senior Secondary School in Maga, located in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The attackers reportedly killed the school principal before taking the students to an unknown location.