Kidnappings at schools pose risk to students' ability to attend classes, according to organization

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The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All has condemned the continued abduction of schoolchildren across Nigeria, warning that the growing wave of attacks on schools poses a serious threat to the future of education in the country.

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The Gombe State and North-East Zonal Coordinator of CSACEFA, Halima Mahdi, raised the concern on Thursday in a statement obtained by our correspondent in Gombe.

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Mahdi’s warning comes amid a resurgence of insecurity across the country, with a recent police report indicating that no fewer than 50 bandit attacks were recorded within one week.

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Scores of pupils, students and teachers abducted from schools in Borno and Oyo states remain in captivity more than a month after the incidents occurred.

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Public schools in Oyo State have also remained shut for about a month following demands by the Nigerian Union of Teachers for the implementation of adequate security measures to restore confidence among teachers, parents and learners.

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Condemning the attacks, Mahdi said the persistent abduction of schoolchildren was creating fear among learners and discouraging access to education.

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“I condemn the continued abduction of schoolchildren across the country due to insecurity,” she said.

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According to her, the recurring attacks on educational institutions and students are undermining efforts to improve school enrolment and learning outcomes.

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“This is very disturbing because the future of education is at stake. Fear among children, parents and society at large is negatively affecting access to education,” Mahdi stated.

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She warned that the country could face more severe social and economic consequences if urgent steps are not taken to guarantee the safety of children and educational institutions.

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Reflecting on the broader implications of the crisis, Mahdi said the rising number of out-of-school children, coupled with youth unemployment, presents a dangerous combination for the country’s future.

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“What will happen to a society without education? With the current trend, where many educated youths remain unemployed, there are increasing numbers of out-of-school children, and politicians continue to use and abandon young people during election periods, we are heading for serious trouble,” she said.

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The education advocate called on federal, state and local authorities to intensify efforts to address insecurity and secure the release of all abducted schoolchildren.

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“Stop abductions, stop kidnappings, and bring back our children safely and in good health,” she appealed.

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Mahdi reiterated that protecting children and ensuring uninterrupted access to education should remain a top priority for governments, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders.

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