1,680 Pupils Kidnapped, 180 Schools Attacked in Nigeria Since 2014

Recent Attacks

The recent attacks on schools in Borno and Oyo states have sparked outrage among parents, teachers, and students. The National Parent Teacher Association of Nigeria says the act of attacking schools shouldn't be allowed to resurface again. Chief Deolu Ogunbanjo, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the association, describes the recent incidents as unfortunate. He calls for the deployment of armed Civil Defence Corps officers, armed policemen, and Amotekun operatives in schools. They're needed to prevent further attacks.

The National Association of Nigerian Students also condemns the attacks. Its Public Relations Officer, Adeyemi Samson Ajasa, describes the situation as pathetic. Ajasa notes that the level of insecurity in the country is alarming. State governors shouldn't be distracted by the jostling for positions in the 2027 general elections. They must be more responsible. The country can't afford to have its leaders divided when it comes to ensuring students' safety.

Safe Schools Initiative

The Safe Schools Initiative was launched in 2014 with a $10 million seed fund by the Federal Government. It's a multi-stakeholder partnership involving the Nigerian Government, the United Nations Special Envoy for Global Education, the Global Business Coalition for Education, and private sector partners. Despite the funding, over 42,000 schools remain vulnerable. The Nigerian Senate has launched probes into the utilization of the fund. They want to know how the money was spent.

Senator Orji Kalu, the chairman of the committee set up to probe the project, notes that over 1,680 schoolchildren have been kidnapped. More than 180 educational facilities have been attacked since 2014. Kalu describes the situation as unacceptable. He promises that the committee will track every naira and every dollar allocated to the Safe Schools Initiative since its inception. They won't leave any stone unturned.

Call to Action

Parents, teachers, and students are calling for concrete efforts to prevent a resurgence of kidnappings and attacks on schools. The Ogun State Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, Felix Oluwaseun Agbesanwa, notes that the beheading of one of the teachers by terrorists was reprehensible. The safety of teachers, students, and every Nigerian citizen should be a top priority. It's what the government should focus on.

Agbesanwa appeals to state governors to rise decisively against the deadly attacks. They must ensure that schools are safe and conducive for teachers and students. The National Association of Nigerian Students also calls for the rescue of the abducted students and teachers. They want quick action to be taken to prevent further attacks. The students don't want to live in fear of being kidnapped or attacked.

The teacher who lost his life never planned to die that day. Like every committed educator, he woke up with the hope of impacting knowledge into the lives of students entrusted into his care. Sadly, he didn't return home alive to meet his family. Instead, he became another innocent victim of the growing insecurity threatening our educational system and the peace of our nation.

• Felix Oluwaseun Agbesanwa

The attacks on schools in Nigeria have brought to the forefront the need for urgent action to be taken. It's essential to ensure the safety and security of students and teachers. The government must take concrete steps to prevent a resurgence of kidnappings and attacks on schools. They must ensure that the Safe Schools Initiative is effective in achieving its goals. The initiative's success is crucial to the country's future.

Nigeria can't afford to have its students and teachers living in fear. They won't be able to learn and teach effectively if they're not safe. The government must act now to prevent further attacks and ensure that schools are safe and secure.