The Centre for Human Rights and Social Advancement (CEFSAN) has condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren 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 signed by its Executive Director, Yusha’u Sani Yankuzo, on Friday, the organisation accused the government of failing to adequately protect schools despite repeated promises, huge security expenditures and various policy initiatives aimed at improving school safety.
CEFSAN said the latest incidents were not isolated cases but part of a disturbing pattern of kidnappings and attacks that have turned schools into easy targets for criminal and terrorist groups.
The organisation recalled major school abductions across the country, including those in Chibok, Kankara, Tegina, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi and Sokoto, noting that Nigerian children have continued to bear the consequences of a security crisis that remains largely unresolved.
According to the statement, what should have been isolated tragedies have become recurring headlines, exposing millions of schoolchildren to fear, trauma, displacement and uncertainty.
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SolaceBase reports that the group expressed concern that the recent abduction of students and teachers in Oyo State and the disappearance of dozens of children in Borno State demonstrate that no region of the country is immune from the threat.
“Whether in the North-East, North-West, North-Central, or increasingly in the South-West, the message from these criminal groups is the same: Nigerian children are unsafe, and the state’s response has fallen far short of what the situation demands,” the statement said.
CEFSAN said it was alarmed that despite repeated government assurances and substantial security budgets, children continue to be abducted from classrooms while parents, teachers and communities are left traumatised.
“The country cannot continue to normalize the abduction of children as though it were an inevitable feature of national life,” Yankuzo said.
The organisation further expressed concern over reports that more than 600 pupils and teachers have been abducted in recent school attacks across the country despite billions of naira reportedly invested in school safety initiatives.
“Nigerians deserve answers. Parents deserve answers. Most importantly, the abducted children deserve action,” the statement added.
CEFSAN argued that the continued abduction of schoolchildren across several states raises serious questions about the effectiveness of existing security measures and government efforts to combat insecurity.
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“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 group called for the immediate, safe and unconditional release of all abducted children and teachers, as well as the deployment of all necessary security and intelligence resources to secure their rescue.
It also demanded greater transparency from authorities through regular public updates on rescue efforts, accountability for officials responsible for securing schools and vulnerable communities, and a comprehensive review of existing school protection strategies.
Other demands included increased investment in intelligence gathering, community policing and the protection of schools in vulnerable communities, alongside urgent measures to ensure that no child is forced to choose between education and personal safety.
Describing the recurring abductions as one of Nigeria’s gravest human rights crises, CEFSAN said every day the children remain in captivity is a painful reminder of the government’s constitutional responsibility to protect lives and guarantee access to safe education.
The organisation expressed solidarity with the affected children, their families, teachers and communities, and urged civil society organisations, development partners, religious leaders, the media and other Nigerians to intensify calls 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.
