A faith-based group, Concerned Christian Youth Forum (CCYF), has expressed concern over the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren in Oyo State and the growing wave of abductions and banditry across the country.
It called on the federal government and security agencies to take decisive action against the menace.
In a statement by the convener of CCYF, Paul Adama, the forum described the abduction of the children and other innocent Nigerians as tragic and unacceptable, noting that the worsening security situation poses a serious threat to the future of the nation.
Adama said the forum sympathises with the families of the abducted children and other kidnapping victims across the country, stressing that no child should be forced to live in fear.
“No child deserves to live in fear, and no family should endure the trauma and agony of not knowing the whereabouts or safety of their loved ones. These heinous acts not only destroy families but also threaten the future of our nation by instilling fear in our schools, communities, and places of worship,” he stated.
The group noted that insecurity across the country, including banditry in the North, kidnapping for ransom, and other forms of terrorism, has reached an alarming level, resulting in loss of lives, disruption of livelihoods, and economic hardship.
“Innocent lives are being lost or disrupted daily, economic activities are crippled, and the social fabric of our society is under severe strain. This is unacceptable in a sovereign nation like Nigeria.”
CCYF called on the Federal Government, the Ministry of Defence, the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant security agencies to intensify efforts aimed at securing the immediate and unconditional release of all kidnapped victims.
The forum also urged authorities to strengthen collaboration among security agencies and state governments, deploy modern technology to protect schools and vulnerable communities, and ensure the swift prosecution of arrested perpetrators.
“We call on the government to treat this national emergency with the urgency and seriousness it deserves. The safety and security of every Nigerian citizen, especially the most vulnerable among us — our children — must be paramount,” Adama stated.
As a Christian youth organisation, the forum pledged continued prayers for the safe return of abducted persons and support for their families while encouraging faith-based organisations and civil society groups to unite against insecurity.
