Aba a southeastern town in the Nigerian state of Abia is in shock after 15 school children were kidnapped Monday morning. The kidnappings have instilled fear in the town of Aba and as a result schools, banks, and markets have remained closed.
The children were kidnapped on their way to the Abayi International School. All of the children, who were of nursery school, came from wealthy families. The children have been taken hostage and are being held for $130,000 ransom. In the past months hostage-taking has been on the rise in Abia. Because of this many middle class Nigerians have been traveling with armed escorts. Residents of the town are fearful of more attacks on the small town. President Goodluck Jonathan called Monday morning’s kidnappings “callous and cruel”. Jonathan also ordered the inspector general of police and heads of other security agencies to take steps to rescue the children.
Theses abductions come just weeks after a proposed amnesty bill by the governor of Abia, which would pardon gang members of their crimes but would force them to give up their guns. A similar bill which was put into effect in the nearby Nigeria Delta has reduced turmoil although three French oil workers were abducted late last week. As a result of ongoing unrest throughout Nigeria, the Nigeria congress has proposed a bill which would impose the death penalty on convicted kidnappers.
This event will be an important factor in the Presidential election for incumbent Goodluck Jonathan. Depending on how he deals with these recent kidnappings could sway the votes in favor of the oft criticized President.
Materials from BBC news were used in this report.
