Child Rights Advocates Condemn School Abductions, Demand Urgent Action To Protect Nigerian Children

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Kazeem Awojoodu

The Oyo State chapter of the National Council of Child Rights Advocates of Nigeria (NACCRAN) has condemned the rising cases of child abduction, kidnapping, and violence against children across the country, calling on the Federal Government, state governments, and security agencies to take urgent and decisive action to protect children and secure schools.

The call was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the organisation’s monthly meeting held in Ibadan where members deliberated on the worsening security situation in Nigeria and its impact on the safety, education, and wellbeing of children.

The child rights advocacy group expressed deep concern over the increasing threats facing children in Oyo State and other parts of the country, particularly incidents involving the abduction of pupils, students, and teachers.

According to the communiqué signed by the State Coordinator, Pastor Prince Leye Adefioye; General Secretary, Esther Mustapha; and Public Relations Officer, Mrs Vivian Adeleke, the continued targeting of children by criminals represents a serious violation of human rights and a threat to Nigeria’s future.

NACCRAN described the abduction of children from schools, homes, and communities as “wicked, inhuman, barbaric and unacceptable,” stressing that children should never become victims of criminal activities or bargaining tools for ransom demands.

“Children are not commodities for ransom, political bargaining, or criminal exploitation. Any individual or group involved in the abduction, torture, or abuse of children has committed a grave crime against humanity and must face the full weight of the law,” the organisation stated.

The group extended its sympathy to families of abducted children, affected teachers, school authorities, and communities currently grappling with the trauma caused by recent kidnapping incidents.

It assured victims and their families of continued advocacy for justice, safety, and the safe return of all children and educators still being held captive by criminal elements.

NACCRAN also expressed solidarity with Governor Seyi Makinde, security agencies, traditional institutions, community leaders, and other stakeholders involved in efforts to tackle insecurity in Oyo State, acknowledging the complexity of the security challenges confronting the country.

However, the organisation maintained that the protection of lives, especially those of children, must remain the highest priority for government and security agencies.

As part of its recommendations, the group urged the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government to intensify all lawful and strategic efforts aimed at securing the immediate rescue and safe release of abducted children, teachers, and other victims of kidnapping.

The advocates further called on the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other security agencies to strengthen intelligence gathering, improve early warning systems, and enhance rapid response mechanisms to prevent attacks on schools and vulnerable communities.

The organisation also stressed the need for stronger school safety measures, including improved security frameworks, community surveillance systems, safer transportation arrangements, and closer collaboration among school administrators, parents, and local communities.

NACCRAN urged parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community associations, and residents to remain vigilant and support security agencies with credible information capable of preventing criminal activities.

Beyond immediate security interventions, the group advocated long-term solutions to insecurity, including tackling youth unemployment, strengthening educational and social protection programmes, monitoring ungoverned spaces, dismantling criminal hideouts, and ensuring the swift prosecution of offenders.

NACCRAN also declared that every Nigerian child has the fundamental right to life, survival, education, dignity, and protection from violence, abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm.

“The future of Nigeria depends on the safety and development of its children. A nation that cannot protect its children risks endangering its own future. Children must not grow up in fear; schools must remain places of learning and hope, not targets of criminal attacks,” the communiqué added.

The organisation called on government institutions, civil society groups, private organisations, religious bodies, traditional institutions, and international partners to work together in safeguarding children and restoring public confidence in schools and communities across Nigeria.

NACCRAN reaffirmed its determination to continue advocating for the rights and welfare of children while standing firmly against all forms of violence and injustice directed at them.