KURIGA, Nigeria - The remote town of Kuriga in Nigeria's Kaduna state is reeling from the devastating abduction of nearly 300 students, as Islamic extremists and armed gangs continue to wreak havoc in the region. Rashidat Hamza, a mother of six, is among the many grieving parents who are anxiously awaiting the safe return of their children.

The horrifying incident occurred over two days ago when Hamza's children, aged 7 to 18, left for school and fell victim to the gunmen. The authorities have reported that at least 100 children aged 12 or younger were among the abductees, highlighting the vulnerability of young students in this volatile region plagued by lawlessness and violence.

No group has claimed responsibility for the recent abductions, but suspicions fall on Islamic extremists operating in the northeast and herders engaged in conflicts with settled communities. This alarming trend of kidnappings further emphasizes the existing security crisis in Nigeria, Africa's most populous country.

This is not the first time Nigeria has been rocked by a school kidnapping. In 2014, more than 200 schoolgirls were abducted from Chibok, sparking international outrage and the #BringBackOurGirls campaign. Sadly, a decade later, the abductions continue, with over 1,400 Nigerian students having been kidnapped under similar circumstances. Some, including nearly 100 of the Chibok girls, remain in captivity.

Eyewitness accounts shed light on the horrific incident in Kuriga. According to teacher Nura Ahmad, the gunmen stormed the government primary and secondary school, barricading all exits and preventing any help from arriving. In less than five minutes, they rounded up the children, using threats and gunshots to force compliance. Despite the chaos, 14-year-old Abdullahi Usman managed to escape.

The Nigerian police and soldiers have launched a search operation in the forests to locate the missing children. However, this arduous process could take weeks due to the expansive and difficult terrain.

The families of the abducted children are devastated, with many, like Shehu Lawal, struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. The local villagers, such as Lawan Yaro, implore the government for assistance, as their hopes fade away in the face of this dire situation.

The security crisis in Nigeria extends beyond schools, with over 3,500 people abducted in the last year alone. President Bola Tinubu, who campaigned on promises of tightening security and stopping kidnappings, assumed office last year. However, the ease of arms smuggling across poorly policed borders and the presence of ungoverned and unoccupied forests contribute to the rise of organized gangs.

While Nigerian security forces continue their efforts, combating both insurgents and armed gangs, their resources are stretched thin. The gangs, in particular, are adapting and entrenching themselves in the northwest, demanding free rein and showing their strength if challenged.

Amidst this turmoil, the people of Kuriga can only hope for the safe return of their children, while the presence of military personnel provides temporary reassurance. Hamza and other parents yearn for justice and an end to the reign of the gunmen who have shattered their peace.

This is an ongoing crisis that demands urgent attention and concerted efforts to secure the safety and future of Nigeria's young generation.

Associated Press journalist Sunday Alamba in Kuriga, Kaduna contributed to this report.