The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has called for prayers for the safety and release of children and other Nigerians abducted across the country, as Muslims mark the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir celebrations.
The party also urged citizens to observe low-key celebrations in solidarity with families of victims of abduction and insecurity nationwide.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Mr Ogini Olaposi, in Lagos on Wednesday, the NNPP said Nigeria was effectively fighting a war against insecurity and required collective prayers and support.
The party referenced the May 15 attack on three schools—Community Grammar School, Baptist Nursery and Primary School, and L.A. Primary School—in Ahoro-Esinele community, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State, where 39 children and seven teachers were abducted by heavily armed gunmen.
“Today is Children’s Day across the globe. We must reflect on how parents of all children in the den of kidnappers feel,” the party said.
“These parents are our neighbours and relations. We must show solidarity and support the government in fighting this evil.”
It said the country could no longer afford to politicise insecurity, stressing that criminal acts cut across ethnic and religious lines.
“The mistake we make is underrating the intentions of the criminals, who do not know tribe or religion. Therefore, we must stop politicising criminality and giving it religious and tribal colourations,” it added.
The party called on traditional rulers to intensify surveillance in their domains, including forests, to help flush out criminal elements.
“As a country, we can do this if we unite on the purpose of brotherhood and love. Nobody is safe; people are attacked and abducted near airports, in churches and even in their homes,” it said.
The NNPP, however, wished Nigerian students and pupils a happy Children’s Day and prayed for the protection of the nation’s future generation.
