The Amazing Grace Children Rights Foundation, AGCRF, has raised concern over the growing number of attacks on schools and the abduction of students across Nigeria, describing the trend as a serious threat to the country’s future.
Ahead of the Children’s Day celebration on Wednesday, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of the foundation, Mrs. Grace Omoye Adeyemi, lamented that more than 100 students had reportedly been kidnapped in May alone. She questioned why governments at all levels had yet to ensure their release.
Adeyemi cited recent incidents, including the May 15 abduction of 47 students and teachers from nursery, primary, and secondary schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. She also referenced a similar mass abduction of about 50 students in Borno State around the same period, as well as separate attacks on schools in Katsina and Zamfara states that led to the kidnapping of several students and teachers.
In a statement titled “Nigeria’s Future in Captivity,” Adeyemi said the consequences of repeated school attacks go beyond the immediate trauma suffered by the victims, their families, and educators. According to her, the persistent violence is creating fear among children and teachers and depriving them of the peace of mind needed for learning.
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She called on the government to take urgent steps to improve security in schools and secure the release of abducted children.
“The government should not wait until the children of elites and notable public figures are kidnapped before providing adequate security in all schools and aggressively pursuing the release of those in captivity,” she said. “As a mother, I am particularly pained to think of what these innocent children are passing through at the hands of these mindless beasts.”
The foundation urged the government to use this year’s Children’s Day to decisively confront the insecurity affecting schools, ensure the immediate release of children in captivity, and reassure Nigerians that the country is not overwhelmed by the crisis.
Adeyemi also called on corporate organisations, Parents-Teachers Associations (PTAs), and civil society groups to collaborate in protecting schools and safeguarding the nation’s future.
She further confirmed that the foundation’s annual “Be Bold” programme will still hold in Lagos on Wednesday, despite the security concerns. According to her, this year’s event will focus on prayers for kidnapped children, encouraging young people to speak out against abuse, and giving them hope for a better future.
“There are many children out there who feel hopeless because of the economic status of their parents; we step in to assist them and give them hope,” she said. “We mentor them, provide a shoulder to lean on, and empower them to speak out against molestation and harassment. The positive impact we see in their lives has been our major motivation on this journey.”
Adeyemi added that internationally renowned coach, Precious Ifeanyichukwu, will serve as the keynote speaker at this year’s event.
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