The National Human Rights Commission has called for the urgent rescue of schoolchildren and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing attacks on schools as grave violations of children’s rights.
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The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Tony Ojukwu, SAN, made the call on Thursday in Abuja while commemorating the 2026 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.
Ojukwu urged the Federal Government to ensure the rescue of all kidnapped schoolchildren in Oyo State and other parts of the country, as well as other innocent children still in captivity.
Gunmen had, on May 15, attacked Baptist Nursery and Primary School and other schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting pupils and teachers.
The NHRC boss condemned the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, as well as similar incidents across the country, saying they amount to a direct attack on children’s rights to education, safety and dignity.
He said abductions, sexual violence, trafficking, child labour, recruitment of children by armed groups and corporal punishment violate Nigeria’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child and the Child Rights Act, 2003.
“Every child has the right to life, dignity, protection, and education,” Ojukwu said.
“Attacks on schools and children constitute a breach of this right, and the NHRC demands zero tolerance for attacks and violence against schoolchildren.”
Ojukwu called for the full implementation of the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative through properly funded security infrastructure, trained personnel, safe transit routes and community protection systems.
He also urged the Senate to pass the Safe Schools Bill proposed by the NHRC, WARDC, Education as a Vaccine, the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders.
The NHRC Executive Secretary further called for the enforcement of the Child Rights Act, 2003, across all states of the federation and the effective use of the Universal Basic Education Act, 2004, to reduce children’s vulnerability to exploitation.
He said the Commission would continue to monitor, investigate and pursue redress for violations against children.
Ojukwu also called for expanded psychosocial support for victims and the creation of safe learning environments free from fear, violence and neglect.
“As we mark this day, we reaffirm: no child should be left behind,” he said.
“Rescue the abducted, prosecute the perpetrators, and protect every Nigerian child.”
The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed annually on June 4 to acknowledge the pain suffered by children across the world who are victims of physical, mental and emotional abuse.
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