By Juliet Ebirim

Concerns over the safety of school children have resurfaced following the reported abduction of more than 80 children and teachers during attacks on schools in Borno and Oyo States earlier this month.

The incidents reportedly occurred on May 15 in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. As Nigeria marked Children’s Day celebrations, many of the victims were still said to be in captivity, leaving families anxious about their fate.

Reacting to the development, Keep Up The Hope (KUTH) Foundation described the attacks as a troubling reminder of the continuing insecurity affecting schools across the country.

In a statement issued by its founder and executive director, Gerald Azonobo, the organisation said the abductions should not be allowed to fade from public attention, noting that the children involved have families, classmates, and futures waiting for them.

“We cannot accept that over 80 missing children in Nigeria should be treated as another passing news story. These children have names, families, classrooms, and futures. Until the last child is home, we must keep speaking” Azonobo said.

The foundation said the latest incidents reflect a persistent pattern of attacks on schools in different parts of Nigeria and warned against treating such cases as isolated events.

It also referenced the 2014 abduction of schoolgirls in Chibok, stating that more than a decade later, children are still being taken from schools, dormitories, nurseries, and orphanages.

According to the organisation, the continued attacks raise concerns about the effectiveness of existing school protection measures, including the Safe Schools Initiative introduced to improve security around learning institutions.

KUTH Foundation called on the Federal Government to review current school safety measures, strengthen security in vulnerable communities, and improve coordination in responses to school-related kidnappings.

The organisation also urged the governments of Borno and Oyo States to provide regular updates on rescue efforts to affected families and the public.

“Keeping hope alive means refusing to stay silent when children are taken from their classrooms. This is not okay. It has never been okay. And we will not stop saying it until the last child is safely returned” he added

Azonobo said the suffering of families affected by the abductions should not be overlooked, adding that continued public attention is necessary until the children are safely returned.

The foundation further appealed to civil society groups, media organisations, and Nigerians to keep the issue in focus and continue demanding the safe release of all abducted children.