By Teddy Nwanunobi
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu, SAN, has urged the Federal Government to rescue all kidnapped school children in Oyo State and others, including other innocent children in captivity and ensure justice.
While condemning the recent abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo and Borno States, and other similar incidents, Ojukwu described the abductions as grave violations of children’s rights and a direct attack on their right to education, safety, and dignity.
The Director of Corporate Affairs and External Linkages of the Commission, Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, said the ES was speaking on the 2026 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression.
According to the statement, the Executive Secretary said abductions, sexual violence, trafficking, child labour, recruitment by armed groups, and corporal punishment violate Nigeria’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, as well as the Child Rights Act, 2003.
“Every child has the right to life, dignity, protection, and education. Attacks on schools and children constitute breach of this right and NHRC demand zero tolerance to attacks and violence against school children,” Ojukwu stated.
He called for full implementation of the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative through funded security infrastructure, trained personnel, safe transit routes, and community protection systems.
He further called on the Senate to pass the bill on safe schools proposed by NHRC, Ward C, Education is a vaccine, Federal Ministry of Education and other relevant stakeholders.
Ojukwu also urged the enforcement of the Child Rights Act 2003 in all states and effective use of the Universal Basic Education Act, 2004, to reduce children’s vulnerability to exploitation.
The NHRC will monitor, investigate, and pursue redress for all violations against children.
The Executive Secretary further called for scaled psychosocial support and safe 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 4th June.