The Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN) has condemned the recent abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, calling on the government to take urgent steps to secure their release.
In a statement issued on Friday and signed by its Executive Director, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, Esq., the organisation described the incidents as part of a growing pattern of attacks on schools across the country.
CEFSAN said the abductions were not isolated incidents but reflected a wider security challenge that had continued to expose school children to danger.
“These incidents are not isolated events but part of a disturbing national pattern of kidnappings and violence that has turned schools into soft targets and children into bargaining chips for criminal and terrorist groups,” the statement said.
The organisation recalled previous school abductions in Chibok, Kankara and Tegina, as well as attacks recorded in Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto states.
According to CEFSAN, the latest incidents in Oyo and Borno states show that insecurity around schools is no longer limited to a particular region.
“The recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State and the disappearance of dozens of children in Borno State are merely the latest reminders that no part of Nigeria is immune from this crisis,” it stated.
The group expressed concern that children continued to be kidnapped despite government assurances and security interventions.
“Children continue to be kidnapped from classrooms while parents, teachers and communities are left traumatised and helpless. The country cannot continue to normalise the abduction of children as though it were an inevitable feature of national life,” CEFSAN said.
The organisation also questioned the effectiveness of existing security measures, citing reports that more than 600 pupils and teachers had been abducted in recent attacks on schools across the country.
“Nigerians deserve answers. Parents deserve answers. Most importantly, the abducted children deserve action,” the statement added.
CEFSAN further argued that the repeated attacks on schools despite significant security spending raised concerns about the country’s efforts to tackle insecurity.
“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,” it said.
The group demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted children and teachers, deployment of security and intelligence resources for rescue operations, regular public updates on rescue efforts, and accountability for officials responsible for securing schools.
It also called for a review of school protection measures, increased investment in intelligence gathering and community policing, and stronger security arrangements for schools in vulnerable communities.
Describing the situation as one of the country’s most serious human rights challenges, CEFSAN said every day the victims remain in captivity underscores the government’s responsibility to protect lives and ensure access to safe education.
The organisation urged civil society groups, development partners, religious leaders, the media and other stakeholders to press 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 said.
