The Documentary Podcast Reporting the Nigerian school kidnappings
Dec 6, 2025
Madina Maishanu, a senior BBC Africa journalist, shares her gripping firsthand experiences covering the Papiri school kidnappings in Nigeria, revealing the dangerous conditions faced by reporters and the distress of parents seeking clarity. Zlata Onufrieva and Olga Prosvirova dive into the tragic case of Aishat Baimuradova, the first Chechen woman in exile killed outside Russia, discussing the chilling implications for Chechen women and the heightened fear among exiles. Together, they shed light on the human stories behind the headlines.
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Reporting From The Kidnap Site
- Medina Maishanu went to Papiri to hear parents who felt abandoned and confused after the kidnappings.
- She and her team were among the first journalists to speak directly to parents and amplify their grievances.
Conflicting Official Versus Local Accounts
- Official statements about the number of abducted children conflicted with what parents reported on the ground.
- Medina found authorities often lacked facts while local testimony revealed a very different picture.
Dangerous Journey To Papiri
- The BBC team faced dangerous travel, detours, and even water routes to reach Papiri safely.
- They travelled with a security truck and kept protective gear on, fearing they might not return home.