Government Condemns Recent Schoolchild Abductions in Oyo and Borno
The Federal Government has issued a strong condemnation of the recent kidnappings of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, characterizing these acts as direct assaults on Nigeria’s future, national security, and core values. The remarks were made by Hon. Iman Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Minister of Women’s Affairs and Social Development, in a statement on Tuesday, coinciding with the observance of the 2026 International Day of the African Child.
Commitment to Public Safety and Family Reassurance
In her statement, the Minister reassured affected families and communities of the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to securing the safe return of the abducted children. Sulaiman-Ibrahim emphasized that such acts pose a serious threat to national security and societal values. “They will not be tolerated and will not undermine our national spirit,” she asserted.
Mobilizing Security Forces for Rescue Operations
The Minister indicated that security and intelligence agencies have been urgently mobilized to facilitate the safe rescue and unconditional return of all kidnapped children. Despite ongoing insecurity being a significant threat to child welfare, she pointed out that children in Nigeria face a myriad of other challenges, including poverty, human trafficking, neglect, harmful cultural practices, child marriage, and various forms of violence.
Government Initiatives to Enhance Child Protection
Recognizing these challenges, the federal government is amplifying efforts to strengthen child protection systems nationwide through comprehensive policy reforms and targeted interventions. Sulaiman-Ibrahim announced that a national strategy and action plan aimed at eradicating child marriage in Nigeria by 2030 is underway. Additionally, the National Adoption Policy is under review, focusing on eradicating baby selling, curbing child trafficking, and ensuring the welfare of children throughout the adoption process.
Implementation of Child Rights Laws Across the Nation
The Minister revealed that all 36 states of Nigeria have enacted child rights legislation and established mechanisms for implementation. The government-enhanced National Child Abuse Reporting Hotline has processed over 8,000 cases in the past year, granting victims access to essential resources such as legal assistance, emergency shelters, and rehabilitation services.
Tackling Technology-Related Risks for Children
Expressing concern over the escalating threats of violence against children exacerbated by technology, including online grooming, cyberbullying, and digital exploitation, Sulaiman-Ibrahim highlighted the launch of the National Child Online Protection Framework. This initiative, in collaboration with law enforcement and telecommunications regulators, aims to safeguard children in digital environments. Over 50,000 parents and educators have already received training on digital safety to enhance protections for minors in online spaces.
Focus on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Access
Discussing this year’s theme—“Ensuring universal access to water, sanitation, and hygiene for all children in Africa”—the Minister asserted the critical importance of clean water, sanitation, and hygiene in ensuring children’s survival, health, and educational development. Government initiatives, such as installing solar-powered wells and sanitation facilities in schools and primary health care centers, have contributed to a 15% decline in waterborne diseases among children in target rural areas over the past year.
Raising Private and Public Investment in Child Welfare
Furthermore, the Minister emphasized the Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention 774 program, which is being rolled out across all 774 local government areas in Nigeria. This initiative aims to provide vulnerable children with educational support, child protection services, nutrition, psychosocial care, skills development, and opportunities for digital inclusion. She called upon state governments, traditional and religious institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, the private sector, and parents to amplify investments in child protection, education, water, and sanitation services.
Sulaiman-Ibrahim reiterated the Federal Government’s dedication to protecting, educating, and empowering all children in Nigeria, highlighting that sustainable development cannot be achieved without ensuring that children are given safety, dignity, and the opportunities they need to thrive.
