As Nigeria Marks International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, Rights Commission Condemns Rising Attacks on Schools
By A1NEWS International / June 4, 2026
ABUJA, Nigeria – The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a strong call on the Federal Government and security agencies to immediately rescue all abducted schoolchildren across the country, particularly those recently kidnapped in Oyo and Borno States, while ensuring that perpetrators are arrested, prosecuted, and brought to justice.
The demand was made by the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, during activities marking the 2026 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, observed annually on June 4.
The Commission described the persistent attacks on schools and the abduction of students and teachers as a serious assault on children’s fundamental rights, warning that such incidents continue to undermine access to education and threaten national development.
NHRC Condemns School Abductions in Oyo and Borno
Reacting to the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno States, Chief Ojukwu condemned the attacks in the strongest terms, describing them as grave violations of children’s rights and an affront to their safety, dignity, and future.
According to him, educational institutions should remain safe spaces where children can learn without fear of violence, intimidation, or abduction.
He stressed that every child is entitled to protection under national and international legal frameworks and called for urgent government intervention to secure the release of all children still being held captive by criminal elements.
“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,” Ojukwu stated.
Violations Breach International and Domestic Laws
The NHRC boss noted that school abductions are only one aspect of broader threats facing Nigerian children.
He identified sexual violence, child trafficking, forced labour, recruitment of minors by armed groups, and harmful disciplinary practices as serious abuses that violate Nigeria’s obligations under several international and domestic legal instruments.
These include the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Union African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and Nigeria’s Child Rights Act of 2003.
According to the Commission, the continued occurrence of these violations highlights the need for stronger enforcement mechanisms and greater accountability at all levels of government.
Call for Full Implementation of Safe Schools Initiative
The Commission urged the Federal Government to accelerate the implementation of its Safe Schools Initiative by investing in security infrastructure and preventive measures aimed at protecting educational institutions nationwide.
Chief Ojukwu recommended:
- Increased funding for school security systems;
- Deployment of trained security personnel to vulnerable schools;
- Creation of safe transportation routes for students and teachers;
- Strengthening of community-based protection mechanisms;
- Enhanced intelligence gathering around educational facilities.
He further appealed to the Senate to urgently pass the proposed Safe Schools Bill championed by the NHRC in collaboration with Ward C, Education is a Vaccine Initiative, the Federal Ministry of Education, and other stakeholders.
The legislation, according to him, would provide a stronger legal framework for safeguarding schools and preventing future attacks.
Push for Nationwide Enforcement of Child Rights Laws
The NHRC also called on state governments that have yet to fully implement the Child Rights Act to do so without delay.
Ojukwu emphasized that effective enforcement of the Act, alongside the Universal Basic Education Act of 2004, would significantly reduce children’s vulnerability to exploitation, abuse, and criminal activities.
He noted that ensuring universal access to education remains one of the most effective tools for protecting children from violence and poverty.
Commission Vows Monitoring and Accountability
Beyond advocacy, the Commission pledged to intensify efforts aimed at monitoring, investigating, and seeking redress for violations against children across the country.
The NHRC further called for expanded psychosocial support services for victims of violence, displacement, and abduction, stressing that rescued children often require long-term rehabilitation and trauma recovery assistance.
The Commission urged governments, civil society organisations, parents, and community leaders to work collectively toward creating learning environments free from fear, violence, and neglect.
International Day Highlights Children’s Vulnerability in Conflict and Violence
The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression was established by the United Nations to acknowledge the suffering endured by children affected by war, conflict, violence, and other forms of aggression worldwide.
For Nigeria, the observance comes amid growing concerns over recurring attacks on schools, particularly in regions affected by insecurity, banditry, terrorism, and organized criminal activities.
Human rights advocates have repeatedly warned that continued attacks on educational institutions threaten not only the safety of children but also the country’s long-term social and economic development.
As Nigeria joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, the NHRC has renewed calls for decisive action to protect the nation’s most vulnerable citizens.
The Commission insists that words alone are no longer sufficient and that urgent rescue operations, stronger legal protections, enhanced school security, and swift prosecution of offenders are essential to ending the cycle of violence against children.
“No child should be left behind. Rescue the abducted, prosecute the perpetrators, and protect every Nigerian child,” Ojukwu declared.
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