By Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) has strongly condemned the recent abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and other parts of Nigeria, describing the attacks as a direct assault on education, childhood, and the nation’s future.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Monday, the coalition expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity in schools, warning that educational institutions are increasingly becoming targets of violence, fear, and criminal attacks.
CSACEFA, a coalition of civil society organisations and non-governmental groups advocating for quality, inclusive, and accessible education, said the briefing was convened in response to the recurring kidnappings of pupils, students, teachers, and other education personnel across the country.
According to the coalition, Nigeria’s education sector is under severe threat as thousands of children face the risk of abduction while teachers and school administrators continue to work under fear and uncertainty.
The group cited the recent attack in Ahoro Esinle Community of Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State, where no fewer than 39 schoolchildren and seven teachers were reportedly abducted from a secondary school and two primary schools. CSACEFA noted that one teacher was allegedly killed in captivity while security personnel sustained injuries during rescue operations.
The coalition also referenced reports from Borno State, where suspected militants attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area, abducting 32 students from the school and 10 others from nearby homes, bringing the number of missing children to 42.
“These incidents are not isolated. They form part of a growing pattern of attacks on education where children, teachers, parents and entire school communities are subjected to fear, violence and trauma.
“For CSACEFA, this is not just another security incident. It is an attack on childhood, learning, families and Nigeria’s future,” the coalition stated.
The coalition lamented that despite Nigeria’s endorsement of the Safe Schools Declaration in May 2019 and the adoption of the National Policy on Safety, Security and Violence-Free Schools in 2021, school attacks continue unabated.
CSACEFA stressed that the gap between policy commitments and the reality faced by children across the country must be urgently addressed.
“Schools should be safe havens, not terror zones. Children should find safety, learning and hope in schools, not fear, violence and abduction,” the group declared.
The coalition further urged Nigerians to avoid politicising or tribalising attacks on education.
“A kidnapped child has no political party. A traumatised parent has no tribe. A closed school is a national wound. Attacks on education must never be used for political negotiations, propaganda or the settlement of political differences,” it said.
Democracy Day Celebration Should Wait
CSACEFA called for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State and other parts of the country.
The coalition also challenged governments at all levels to move beyond reactive measures and adopt proactive strategies to prevent attacks on schools.
“It is not enough to rescue children after abduction. Government’s responsibility is to ensure that no child is abducted in the first place,” the group stated.
The coalition warned that if the abducted children and teachers remain in captivity, authorities should reconsider planned Democracy Day celebrations on June 12.
“We cannot celebrate democracy while children are still being held captive by criminals. No national celebration should take precedence over the safety and freedom of our children,” CSACEFA said.
Growing National Crisis
The coalition observed that attacks on schools have become a nationwide crisis, recalling major incidents from Chibok, Dapchi, Kankara, Kagara, Jangebe, Tegina, Afaka, Bethel Baptist School, Kuriga and several communities across Kebbi, Niger, Borno and Oyo states.
According to CSACEFA, every attack on a school leads to fear, school closures, learning disruptions, psychological trauma and increased numbers of out-of-school children.
The group warned that Nigeria’s efforts to improve educational outcomes and attract global support could be undermined by the worsening insecurity.
It noted that Nigeria and Italy are co-hosting the 2026 replenishment campaign of the Global Partnership for Education (GPE), aimed at mobilising billions of dollars for education worldwide.
“Nigeria cannot seek global education financing while children are being abducted from schools at home and parents are afraid to send their children to classrooms.
“This weakens our moral authority and damages national credibility,” the coalition stated.
CSACEFA urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the National Assembly, the Federal Ministry of Education, state governors, local government authorities, security agencies, traditional institutions and other stakeholders to take immediate action to end attacks on schools.
The coalition demanded the rescue of all abducted children, improved protection for teachers, enhanced school security, support for affected families and the prosecution of perpetrators.
“Education is a constitutional responsibility, a fundamental human right and a public good. No child should have to choose between learning and survival.
“No parent should fear that sending a child to school may become a permanent goodbye.
“Nigeria must not allow the enemies of education to win,” the coalition declared.
