The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the Federal Government to take immediate steps to secure the release of all abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State and other parts of the country, while ensuring that those responsible for the crimes are apprehended and prosecuted.
The call was made by the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, as Nigeria joined the global community in commemorating the 2026 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression on June 4.
Ojukwu condemned the recent abductions of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, describing the incidents as grave violations of children’s rights and a direct attack on their rights to education, safety and human dignity.
According to him, crimes such as child abduction, sexual violence, trafficking, child labour, recruitment of children by armed groups and corporal punishment violate Nigeria’s obligations under international and domestic legal frameworks, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the Child Rights Act of 2003.
“Every child has the right to life, dignity, protection and education. Attacks on schools and children constitute a breach of these rights, and the NHRC demands zero tolerance for attacks and violence against schoolchildren,” he stated.
The NHRC boss called for the full implementation of the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative, stressing the need for increased funding for security infrastructure, deployment of trained security personnel, provision of secure transit routes and the establishment of community-based protection mechanisms.
He also appealed to the Senate to expedite the passage of the proposed Safe Schools Bill, which was developed in collaboration with the NHRC and other stakeholders, describing the legislation as vital to strengthening the protection of children in schools across the country.
Ojukwu further advocated effective enforcement of the Child Rights Act, 2003, in all states and full implementation of the Universal Basic Education Act, 2004, noting that these measures would significantly reduce children’s exposure to exploitation, abuse and other forms of violence.
Reaffirming the Commission’s commitment to protecting children’s rights, he said the NHRC would continue to monitor, investigate and seek redress for violations against children, while promoting psychosocial support services and safer learning environments.
“As we mark this day, we reaffirm that no child should be left behind. Rescue the abducted, prosecute the perpetrators and protect every Nigerian child,” Ojukwu said.
The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed annually on June 4 to raise awareness of the plight of children affected by violence, conflict and other forms of aggression around the world.
