Children Belong In Classrooms, Not Captivity’: ASOHON, CPN Demand Immediate Release Of Abducted Ibadan Pupils

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The Association of Orphanages and Home Operators in Nigeria (ASOHON), Oyo State chapter, in collaboration with the Child Protection Network (CPN), has called for the immediate and safe return of schoolchildren and their headmistress reportedly abducted by terrorists in Ibadan last month, describing the incident as an attack on families and the future of Nigeria.

Speaking during a press conference in Ibadan, the Public Relations Officer of ASOHON, Mrs. Abimbola Abraham-Adegboyega, said the gathering of child advocates, community leaders and stakeholders was driven by one common goal — to demand urgent action and pray for the safe release of the victims.

According to her, children belong in classrooms and homes, not in captivity.

“This abduction is an attack on every family in Nigeria. It breaks the law and it breaks our hearts. Our children and every Nigerian deserve safety, peace and a secure future,” she said.

Abraham-Adegboyega stated that the Association remained deeply concerned about the continued captivity of the children and their headmistress, stressing that every passing day increases the emotional and psychological burden on both the victims and their families.

She urged security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and deploy all available resources to secure the children’s freedom.

“We urgently appeal to security agencies to deploy all resources necessary for a swift rescue. These children need medical attention, protection and to be reunited with their parents now. Time is crucial,” she said.

The spokesperson also called on government at all levels to treat the incident as a national emergency by strengthening intelligence gathering, improving school security and ensuring that those responsible face the full weight of the law.

She further appealed to members of the public to support rescue efforts through timely information sharing.

“If you know something, say something. Report to the police, the DSS or the Oyo State Child Protection Network. Information saves lives,” she appealed.

Addressing the abductors directly, Abraham-Adegboyega pleaded for the immediate release of the children, insisting that no grievance or cause could justify the trauma inflicted on minors.

She said ASOHON, in collaboration with CPN, understands the long-term emotional consequences such experiences leave on children and pledged support for rehabilitation after their release.

She disclosed that the organisations stand ready to provide counselling services, medical care and reintegration support for the affected children once they regain freedom.

“No child should recover alone,” she said.

Offering words of comfort to affected families, Abraham-Adegboyega said Nigerians stand in solidarity with the parents and would continue to advocate and pray until every child returns home safely.

She concluded by calling for renewed commitment across Oyo State and Nigeria to end child abductions and guarantee the safety of children.

“We will not stop speaking, we will not stop praying and acting until every child is safe,” she said.