kidnapping | Axios Times

Global Attacks on Education Surge 40%, Over 10,600 Students and Staff Killed or Kidnapped

Attacks on education globally surged 40% from 2024 to 2025, with 8,556 incidents and over 10,600 victims across 83 countries, according to GCPEA. The highest number of attacks occurred in Colombia, DRC, Ethiopia, Haiti, Palestine, and Ukraine, with military occupation of schools nearly doubling. Experts warn the trend is becoming more systematic, targeting women, girls, and children with disabilities, and is a grave violation of international law.

Jun 15, 2026

World

Nigeria’s President: Military ‘Neutralised’ Over 13,000 ‘Terrorists’ in Past Year

Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu said the military had ‘neutralised’ more than 13,000 ‘terrorists’ in the past year, claiming conflict-related deaths have dropped 81% since he took office. However, mass kidnappings by armed groups continue across the country.

Jun 12, 2026

World

Nigeria: Bandits Abduct Villagers Lured to Peace Negotiation Meeting

Police in Nigeria's Zamfara state confirmed that 39 people were abducted Sunday after being invited to a meeting meant to discuss peace talks with armed groups. The victims were lured to a forest near Magamin Diddi village, where they were kidnapped by a gang leader and his men. Local officials report the gang has demanded a ransom of 125 million naira (about £69,000) for the captives' release.

Jun 8, 2026

World

Gunmen Abduct 39 Students, 7 Teachers in Nigeria

Gunmen kidnapped 39 students and 7 teachers in an attack on multiple schools in Oyo State, southwestern Nigeria last week. The assailants targeted a secondary school and two primary schools, with victims mostly children aged 2 to 16. A joint rescue operation faced setbacks due to improvised explosive devices, while authorities have arrested six suspects and vowed to rescue all victims.

May 19, 2026

World

Abducted aid flotilla activists release pre-recorded pleas for help

Activists aboard an abducted aid flotilla have released pre-recorded audio messages appealing to the international community for urgent intervention. The short video posted by AJ#shorts captures desperate cries for help. The incident remains unverified but has sparked significant public concern.

May 18, 2026

World

Armed Attackers Abduct Dozens of Students in Nigeria's Borno State

Gunmen stormed a school in Borno State, northeastern Nigeria, on Friday, abducting dozens of students. Suspected insurgents arrived on motorcycles and took pupils away, though some escaped into the bush. No group has claimed responsibility, but the attack bears hallmarks of Boko Haram.

May 16, 2026

World

RSF Accuses Israel of ‘Kidnapping’ Three Journalists from Gaza Aid Flotilla

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has accused Israel of ‘kidnapping’ three journalists from the Global Sumud aid flotilla, which was intercepted in international waters while heading to Gaza. Al Jazeera expressed deep concern for its missing crew, and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the interception as a violation of international law. The incident follows previous accusations of mistreatment of detainees and a pattern of abuses against Palestinian journalists.

Apr 30, 2026