Musa Ubandawaki, Sokoto
The Save the Child Initiative (STCI) Nigeria has condemned the recent abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in parts of the country, warning that continued attacks on educational institutions threaten Nigeria’s future and jeopardise efforts to provide safe and quality education for all.
Speaking at a press conference in Sokoto on Monday, Mrs Rukayya Ibrahim, the STCI Program Manager, expressed deep concern over the reported abductions in Oyo and Kwara states, alongside other security incidents affecting schools nationwide.
It described the attacks as a gross violation of children’s rights and a serious setback to national educational development.
According to her schools must remain safe environments where children can learn, develop and achieve their full potential free from fear, violence and intimidation.
STCI noted that repeated attacks on schools have heightened anxiety among pupils, parents and teachers, disrupted academic activities and exposed victims to lasting psychological and emotional trauma.
“The targeting of schoolchildren is a grave violation of child rights and a direct attack on the future of our nation. Schools are meant to be safe spaces for learning, growth and development, yet recurring incidents of abduction continue to create fear among pupils, parents and educators,” the organisation stated.
The group observed that despite ongoing efforts under Nigeria’s Safe Schools Initiative, many educational institutions remain vulnerable to criminal attacks. It said the recent incidents in Oyo and Kwara states highlight the urgent need for more robust security measures and effective protection mechanisms.
STCI warned that the consequences of insecurity in schools extend far beyond the immediate victims, contributing to rising school dropout rates, declining enrolment, reduced attendance and growing public distrust in the education system.
“No child should ever be forced to choose between education and personal safety. Every attack on a school undermines national development and threatens the future of generations of Nigerian children,” it added.
The organisation called on the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the safe release of all abducted children and teachers, while strengthening intelligence gathering, surveillance systems and rapid response operations around schools, particularly in vulnerable communities.
It also urged authorities in Oyo and Kwara states to work closely with security agencies, local communities and relevant stakeholders to reinforce school protection frameworks and prevent future attacks.
STCI further appealed to school administrators, traditional rulers, community leaders, parents and civil society organisations to collaborate in establishing effective early warning systems and community based security networks capable of detecting and preventing threats before they escalate.
The organisation stressed the importance of providing psychosocial support, counselling and reintegration services for affected children and their families, noting that recovery from traumatic experiences requires sustained care and long-term intervention.
“Protecting children is not only a moral obligation but a national responsibility that demands collective and urgent action. The time to act decisively is now. Every child must be able to go to school without fear,” the organisation said.
Reaffirming its commitment to child protection and educational advocacy, STCI pledged to continue working with government institutions, development partners and communities to promote safe, inclusive and protective learning environments across the country.
The group warned that unless urgent and coordinated measures are implemented to strengthen school security nationwide, continued attacks on educational institutions could deepen Nigeria’s education crisis and undermine efforts to build a more secure, educated and prosperous future for the nation’s children.
