SCHOOL ABDUCTIONS THREATEN EDUCATION ACCESS, SAYS GROUP

A leading civil society coalition has raised alarm over the escalating wave of school abductions across Nigeria, warning that the persistent attacks are severely undermining access to education and putting an entire generation of children at risk of illiteracy.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Thursday, the group  comprising education advocates, child rights organisations, and concerned stakeholders  described the continued targeting of schools by armed groups as a direct assault on Nigeria’s future.

 “School abductions are not just criminal acts; they are systematically destroying the right to safe learning and widening the already alarming out-of-school children crisis,” the coalition said.

Recent incidents, including mass kidnappings in northern states such as Niger, Kebbi, and Oyo, have heightened fears among parents, teachers, and students. Many schools have been forced to shut down indefinitely or operate under severe restrictions, further disrupting academic activities in regions already battling insecurity.

According to data from various monitors, hundreds of students and teachers have been abducted in multiple attacks since 2024, with ransom demands often running into millions of naira. The group highlighted that fear of abduction has led to decreased school enrolment, especially among girls, and forced many families to prioritise safety over education.

“Parents are now reluctant to send their children to school, viewing classrooms as potential danger zones. This threatens to reverse years of progress in boosting literacy and girls’ education in northern Nigeria,” the statement added.

The coalition urged the Federal Government and state authorities to strengthen the Safe Schools Initiative, enhance security presence around educational institutions, and ensure swift prosecution of perpetrators. They also called for improved intelligence sharing, community engagement, and adequate funding for school protection measures.

Education stakeholders emphasised that without urgent and decisive action, the long-term consequences could include a surge in child labour, early marriages, and lost human capital, further hampering national development. The group vowed to sustain advocacy until concrete measures restore confidence in the education system.

As Nigeria grapples with multifaceted security challenges, the safety of learners remains a critical test for government resolve.