The National Human Rights Commission has demanded the immediate rescue of all abducted schoolchildren in Oyo, Borno and other states, urging the Federal Government to prosecute perpetrators and fast-track passage of the Safe Schools Bill to end attacks on education.
The call was made by NHRC Executive Secretary Tony Ojukwu on Wednesday as Nigeria marked the 2026 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.
Ojukwu condemned the recent abductions of pupils and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, describing them as grave violations of children’s rights to life, education, safety and dignity.
“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.”
— Tony Ojukwu, Executive Secretary, NHRC
He said abductions, sexual violence, trafficking, child labour, recruitment of children by armed groups and corporal punishment breach Nigeria’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the AU Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and the Child Rights Act, 2003.
The Commission called for full implementation of the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative through funding for security infrastructure, deployment of trained personnel, safe transit routes and community-based protection systems.
It also urged the Senate to expedite passage of the Safe Schools Bill proposed by the NHRC and stakeholders, calling it critical to protecting children in schools.
According to Ojukwu, enforcing the Child Rights Act, 2003 across all states and implementing the Universal Basic Education Act, 2004 would reduce children’s vulnerability to exploitation and abuse.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to monitoring, investigating and seeking redress for violations against children, while pushing for more psychosocial support services and safe learning environments free from fear, violence and neglect.
“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,” he stated.
The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed annually on June 4 to raise awareness about the suffering of children affected by violence, conflict and other forms of aggression worldwide.
