The Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN) has strongly condemned the recent abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as part of a growing national security crisis that continues to endanger the lives and education of Nigerian children.
In a statement issued on Friday by its Executive Director, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, the organisation expressed deep concern over what it described as the recurring attacks on schools and learning communities across the country.
According to CEFSAN, the latest incidents are not isolated cases but part of a disturbing pattern of kidnappings and violence that has turned schools into easy targets for criminal and terrorist groups.
The organisation recalled previous school abductions across the country, including the abduction of schoolgirls in the Chibok Schoolgirls Kidnapping, as well as attacks in Kankara, Tegina and several communities in Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto states.
CEFSAN noted that what should have been isolated tragedies have now become recurring headlines, leaving millions of children exposed to fear, trauma, displacement and uncertainty.
“The recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State and the disappearance of dozens of children in Borno State are reminders that no part of Nigeria is immune from this crisis,” the statement said.
The group lamented that despite repeated government assurances, substantial security budgets and several policy initiatives aimed at improving school safety, children continue to be kidnapped from classrooms while parents, teachers and communities remain traumatised.
It further expressed concern over reports that more than 600 pupils and teachers have been abducted in recent attacks on schools across the country despite billions of naira reportedly allocated to school security programmes.
CEFSAN argued that the continued occurrence of such incidents raises serious questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures and the implementation of school protection strategies.
“A nation where children can be repeatedly kidnapped from classrooms cannot claim to have won the fight against insecurity. The protection of children is not optional; it is the most fundamental obligation of government,” the organisation stated.
The rights group called for the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all abducted children and teachers and urged security agencies to deploy all necessary intelligence and operational resources to secure their rescue.
It also demanded regular public updates on rescue efforts, accountability from institutions responsible for school security, a comprehensive review of existing protection strategies, and increased investment in intelligence gathering, community policing and the safeguarding of vulnerable schools nationwide.
Describing the recurring abductions as one of the gravest human rights challenges confronting the country, CEFSAN said every day the victims remain in captivity represents a painful reminder of the government’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and guarantee access to safe education.
The organisation expressed solidarity with affected children, their families, teachers and communities, while calling on civil society organisations, development partners, religious leaders, the media and other stakeholders to intensify advocacy for urgent action.
“A nation that cannot protect its children is a nation in danger of losing its future.
“The time for condolences, excuses, and routine statements has passed. Nigerians expect results. The abducted children must be rescued now,” the statement concluded.
