Odimmegwa Johnpeter/Abuja
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu (SAN), has called on the Federal Government to urgently rescue all abducted schoolchildren in Oyo State and other innocent children still being held captive across the country, while ensuring that perpetrators are brought to justice.
Speaking on the occasion of the 2026 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, 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 right to education, safety and dignity.
The NHRC boss stressed that attacks on schools and children undermine Nigeria’s commitments under international and domestic legal frameworks, including the UN 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,” Ojukwu stated.
He urged the government to fully implement the Safe Schools Initiative through adequate funding for security infrastructure, deployment of trained personnel, provision of safe transit routes and establishment of community-based protection systems. He also called on the Senate to expedite passage of the Safe Schools Bill proposed by the NHRC and other stakeholders.
Ojukwu further advocated the full enforcement of the Child Rights Act in all states and the effective implementation of the Universal Basic Education Act, 2004, to reduce children’s vulnerability to exploitation, trafficking and abuse.
According to him, child abduction, sexual violence, trafficking, child labour, recruitment by armed groups and corporal punishment remain serious threats to the welfare of children and must be addressed through coordinated action by government institutions and communities.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC would continue to monitor, investigate and pursue redress for violations against children, while calling for expanded psychosocial support services and safer learning environments free from fear, violence and neglect.
“As we mark this day, we reaffirm: no child should be left behind. Rescue the abducted, prosecute the perpetrators, and protect every Nigerian child,” he said.
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.
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