The search continues for more than 280 schoolchildren kidnapped on March 7th in Kuriga, north-west Nigeria.

Families of the missing children are working with the military and police to track the youngsters.

They are checking forests in the state of Kaduna, where Kuriga is located, and neighbouring states.

The children, some 8 years old, are travelling on foot.

Local officials have denied they’re negotiating with the kidnappers.

No group has claimed responsibility, but locals blame bandits who often carry out mass killings, and abductions for ransom.

According to Nigeria-based SBM Intelligence group, around 5000 people have been kidnapped since May 2023.

The Kuriga kidnapping is the largest mass abduction since 2021.

Aljazeera.