The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has called on the federal government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate release of abducted schoolchildren across Nigeria and ensure that perpetrators of such attacks are brought to justice.
The Commission made the call on Thursday, as the world marked the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, expressing concern over the rising incidents of school attacks and child abductions.
In a statement issued by the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, the Commission condemned recent abductions of pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno States, describing them as a grave threat to children’s rights, education, and safety.
Ojukwu said the attacks represent a serious violation of both national and international protections guaranteed to children, warning that continued targeting of schools undermines access to safe learning environments.
“Every child has the right to life, dignity, protection and education. Attacks on schools and schoolchildren are unacceptable and must be met with zero tolerance,” he stated.
The NHRC urged authorities to urgently step up rescue operations for abducted children still in captivity, stressing that safeguarding children must remain a national priority.
It also called for the full implementation of the federal government’s Safe Schools Initiative through improved security infrastructure, deployment of trained personnel, safer school transport systems, and stronger community-based protection mechanisms.
Ojukwu further urged the National Assembly to fast-track legislative reforms aimed at strengthening school security nationwide, while calling on state governments to fully domesticate and enforce the Child Rights Act.
According to him, child abduction, trafficking, sexual violence, child labour, and recruitment by armed groups constitute violations of Nigeria’s obligations under international and regional child protection frameworks.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitoring, investigating, and seeking redress for violations against children, while advocating expanded psychosocial support services for victims.
“As we commemorate this day, we renew our call for urgent action to rescue abducted children, prosecute those responsible and guarantee the protection of every Nigerian child,” he said.
The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed annually on June 4 to highlight the plight of children affected by violence, conflict, and other forms of abuse worldwide.
