By Ebunoluwa Sessou

All for Hope and Global Humanitarian Initiatives,AHGHI, has expressed concern over the worsening security situation in Nigeria, calling on the Federal Government, state governments and security agencies to take urgent steps to protect lives, secure communities and restore public confidence in the nation’s security architecture.

The organisation said the persistent attacks on schools and repeated abduction of students across the country underscore the need for more decisive action to safeguard children and educational institutions.
In a statement signed by the Project Director of AHGHI, Eniola Tikare, the group recalled several high-profile school abductions recorded over the years, including incidents in Chibok in 2014, Dapchi in 2018, Kankara in 2020, Jangebe in 2021 and Kuriga in 2024.

AHGHI also referenced recent reports of attacks and kidnappings in Borno, Oyo, Kebbi and Niger states in 2025 and 2026.

The organisation specifically highlighted reports of a coordinated attack on May 15, 2026, in Ahoro-Esinele/Esiele and Yawota communities in Oriire Local Government Area near Ogbomoso, Oyo State, where about 39 pupils and seven teachers were reportedly abducted.

According to the group, the incident, which affected an estimated 46 victims, reflects the continued vulnerability of schools and communities to criminal attacks.

AHGHI noted that despite Nigeria’s status as Africa’s largest economy and its constitutional responsibility to protect citizens, insecurity continues to pose significant challenges across the country.

The organisation cited Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution, which states that the security and welfare of citizens shall be the primary purpose of government, as well as provisions of the Child Rights Act 2003 guaranteeing children’s rights to protection, education, survival and development.

It also referenced Nigeria’s commitments under international agreements, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the Safe Schools Declaration.

Executive Director of AHGHI, Mistura Bakre, said many Nigerian children and their families continue to face psychological distress due to growing insecurity.

According to her, increasing attacks on schools have created fear and uncertainty among pupils, teachers and parents, particularly in rural and vulnerable communities.

“Many Nigerian children are living with trauma, while parents remain in constant fear over the safety of their children. In many remote communities, schools have become places of panic rather than centres of learning because of recurring attacks, kidnappings and violence.

“Schools should be safe spaces for learning, growth and development, not places where children and teachers fear for their lives,” she said.

The organisation called on government and security agencies to intensify efforts to secure the immediate and safe return of abducted children and teachers while strengthening intelligence gathering and coordinated rescue operations.

It also urged authorities to deploy modern security technology, improve the protection of schools and vulnerable communities, and ensure that perpetrators of kidnapping and terrorism are arrested and prosecuted.

AHGHI further advocated adequate medical care, psychosocial support and rehabilitation services for victims and survivors of violent attacks.

The organisation also appealed to the United Nations, African Union, development partners and civil society organisations to engage with the Nigerian government to ensure accountability and compliance with its human rights obligations.

Reaffirming its commitment to advocacy, AHGHI said it would continue to speak out whenever fundamental human rights and basic human needs are threatened.

“Every Nigerian life matters and the rights to life, safety and dignity are not negotiable,” the statement added.