Nigerian State Closes Schools After 140 Students Kidnapped

ABUJA, NIGERIA - Nigerian authorities in northwest Kaduna state have closed 13 schools after more than 140 students were kidnapped Monday from a Baptist high school. The closures follow a string of armed attacks on schools that authorities say threaten to permanently damage Nigerian children's education.

Kaduna State Schools Quality Assurance Authority officials say a risk assessment shows the 13 schools are the most vulnerable to attacks. The attack on Bethel Baptist High school Monday is the latest in a spate of school kidnappings for ransom and the fourth such mass kidnapping in the state in five months. Kaduna authorities said 26 people, including a woman teacher, have been rescued and that troops are searching for missing kidnap victims.