School abductions threaten education access, says group

The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All has condemned the continued abduction of schoolchildren across Nigeria, warning that the growing wave of attacks on schools poses a serious threat to the future of education in the country.

The Gombe State and North-East Zonal Coordinator of CSACEFA, Halima Mahdi, raised the concern on Thursday in a statement obtained by our correspondent in Gombe.

Mahdi’s warning comes amid a resurgence of insecurity across the country, with a recent police report indicating that no fewer than 50 bandit attacks were recorded within one week.

Scores of pupils, students and teachers abducted from schools in Borno and Oyo states remain in captivity more than a month after the incidents occurred.

Public schools in Oyo State have also remained shut for about a month following demands by the Nigerian Union of Teachers for the implementation of adequate security measures to restore confidence among teachers, parents and learners.

Condemning the attacks, Mahdi said the persistent abduction of schoolchildren was creating fear among learners and discouraging access to education.

“I condemn the continued abduction of schoolchildren across the country due to insecurity,” she said.

According to her, the recurring attacks on educational institutions and students are undermining efforts to improve school enrolment and learning outcomes.

“This is very disturbing because the future of education is at stake. Fear among children, parents and society at large is negatively affecting access to education,” Mahdi stated.

She warned that the country could face more severe social and economic consequences if urgent steps are not taken to guarantee the safety of children and educational institutions.

Reflecting on the broader implications of the crisis, Mahdi said the rising number of out-of-school children, coupled with youth unemployment, presents a dangerous combination for the country’s future.

“What will happen to a society without education? With the current trend, where many educated youths remain unemployed, there are increasing numbers of out-of-school children, and politicians continue to use and abandon young people during election periods, we are heading for serious trouble,” she said.

The education advocate called on federal, state and local authorities to intensify efforts to address insecurity and secure the release of all abducted schoolchildren.

“Stop abductions, stop kidnappings, and bring back our children safely and in good health,” she appealed.

Mahdi reiterated that protecting children and ensuring uninterrupted access to education should remain a top priority for governments, security agencies, communities and other stakeholders.