The Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has expressed worries over the escalating wave of kidnappings across Nigeria, particularly the abduction of schools children and teachers.

Okonjo-Iweala in a post on X said she was “greatly saddened” by the disturbing trend, stressing that the attacks on learning institutions have inflicted fear, trauma, and uncertainty on families nationwide.

“As a mother I am greatly saddened by the kidnappings in our country, particularly of our children and teachers from places of learning.

” My heart goes out to the children and all those kidnapped and to their families living in fear and uncertainty,” she said.

She prays for the safe return of all abductees and strength for parents and relatives enduring the ordeal.

“May those taken be found, rescued, and returned safely into the arms of those who love them.

We pray God for their protection and strength for every parent and relative waiting,” she added.

Her comments come amid a series of mass abductions targeting schools and farming communities in several states in Nigeria, which has led to renewed calls for urgent action to protect citizens and restore security nationwide.

The Minister of Works, David Umahi, weekend, donated a speedboat to the Marine and Infrastructure Protection Unit of the Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to protect the Third Mainland Bridge and other federal bridges in the state.

Umahi, while presenting the speedboat, said that the donation aligned with his magnanimity and unwavering commitment to supporting the Corps in its duty of safeguarding vital public infrastructure.

Umahi emphasised that the donation of the speedboat would aid in monitoring activities along the marine corridor in Lagos, as well as serving as a morale booster for the gallant men who have been combating the activities of unscrupulous elements under the bridges.

The Commandant also extended thanks to the former Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, O.I. Kesha, for her diligent efforts in ensuring that the Corps receives all necessary logistical support to guarantee the protection of the integrity of the Third Mainland Bridge, other federal bridges, and critical national infrastructure in Lagos State.

The Bauchi State Government has announced the closure of all the public and privately owned primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions in the state with immediate effect.

In a statement on Monday, Jalaludeen Usman, Information and Public Relations Officer Bauchi State Ministry of Education, said that the decision, although difficult, was taken by the government in response to overwhelming security concerns affecting the safety of students, teachers, and school communities across the state.

“The government is fully aware of the inconvenience this may cause.

However, the protection of our children remains our highest moral responsibility. Every student in Bauchi State deserves to learn in an environment that is safe, stable, and free of fear.

We therefore call on parents, guardians, school proprietors, and all concerned stakeholders not to panic, but to remain calm and cooperative.

The government is working closely with security agencies to address the concerns swiftly and comprehensively, ensuring that normal academic activities resume as soon as it is safe to do so. We also urge citizens to remain vigilant.

If you see something, say something. Timely information from the public is crucial in safeguarding our communities.

The Bauchi State Government will continue to provide updates as the situation evolves.”