The Child Protection Network Nigeria (CPN) and a coalition of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) have expressed deep concern over the continued captivity of 47 pupils and teachers abducted from Yawota, Esiele and Ahoro-Esiele communities in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. The groups also called on federal and state authorities to strengthen security around schools and provide safe learning environments for children across the state.
Addressing a press conference in Ibadan, the organisations urged the Federal Government, Oyo State Government and security agencies to intensify efforts toward the safe and speedy rescue of the victims, who were kidnapped during coordinated attacks on the affected communities on May 15. The coalition advocated the fencing of vulnerable schools and the implementation of additional safety measures to protect pupils, teachers and educational facilities from future attacks.
Child Rights and Safety
Speaking on behalf of the coalition, Oyo State Coordinator of the Child Protection Network Nigeria, Mrs. Rosemary Odigbo, stressed that every child has a fundamental right to education in a safe and secure environment. She described schools as sacred spaces that must be protected from violence and insecurity, warning that threats to the safety of learners could undermine access to education and the overall wellbeing of children.
“Under the Child Rights Law of Oyo State and the Child Rights Act of Nigeria, every child has the right to education in an environment that is safe, secure and conducive to learning,” she said. “When concerns about safety begin to affect children’s access to education, it becomes a matter requiring the collective attention and commitment of all stakeholders.
“We cannot allow such incidents to become accepted as part of everyday life. Every child deserves to learn without fear, and every teacher deserves to carry out their duties in safety and dignity.”
Psychological Impact and Call for Action
Odigbo noted that the emotional and psychological impact of the abduction on the victims, their families, fellow pupils, teachers and the affected communities remained profound. She urged security agencies and relevant authorities to deploy all available resources and strategies to secure the release of those still in captivity.
While commending Governor Seyi Makinde and the Federal Government delegation that visited the affected communities, she called for stronger collaboration among the military, police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local security outfits and community stakeholders to facilitate the victims’ rescue.
Rehabilitation and Reintegration Plans
The child rights advocate also urged the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion to begin preparations for the rehabilitation and reintegration of the victims upon their return. According to her, arrangements should include psychosocial support, trauma counselling, medical assessment and family reunification programmes to aid their recovery.
“We encourage the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion to put the necessary structures in place to provide a safe and supportive environment for the children and teachers upon their return.
“Such arrangements will facilitate immediate care, psychosocial support, assessment, recovery and appropriate reintegration with their families and communities,” she said.
Odigbo assured government and development partners that members of the coalition were prepared to provide technical assistance, rehabilitation services, child protection interventions and psychosocial support throughout the recovery process.
Solidarity with Families
She also expressed solidarity with the families of the abducted victims, assuring them that civil society organisations would continue to advocate for their safe return.
“To the parents, guardians and loved ones of the affected children and teachers, we share your concerns and stand with you during this difficult period. We will continue to support all efforts aimed at ensuring the safe return of every child and teacher,” she added.
Other organisations represented at the briefing included the Association of Orphanages and Homes Operators in Nigeria, Association for Orphans and Vulnerable Children in Nigeria, Network Against Child Trafficking, Abuse and Labour, Centre for Support of Women in Unpaid and Informal Employment in Nigeria, and the Community Chest Council.
Gunmen had on May 15 attacked schools and surrounding communities in Yawota, Esiele and Ahoro-Esiele, abducting 47 pupils and teachers aged between two and 15 years.
