CAN Decries School Attacks as Tinubu Pledges Stronger Rescue, Protection for Abducted Children
Christian body warns insecurity is threatening Nigeria’s future as President Tinubu orders intensified rescue operations and improved school safety measures nationwide.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has condemned continued attacks on schools and the abduction of children, warning that Nigeria’s future is at risk. In response, President Bola Tinubu pledged intensified rescue efforts, stronger school protection systems, and full reintegration support for recovered victims.
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed deep concern over the rising attacks on schools and the abduction of children by armed groups, warning that the country is putting its future at risk if urgent action is not taken.
In a statement issued by its President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, CAN said many Nigerian families marked Children’s Day under fear and uncertainty due to insecurity affecting schools and communities.
The Christian body noted that repeated attacks on educational institutions, including the recent abductions in Oyo State, highlight the increasing vulnerability of children and teachers across the country.
According to CAN, the growing insecurity has made parents fearful of sending their children to school, while teachers also operate under constant threat of violence.
The association stressed that no society can claim to be protecting its future when learning environments are no longer safe for children and educators.
It further lamented that millions of Nigerian children continue to face broader challenges such as poverty, hunger, abuse, trafficking, child labour and limited access to quality education and healthcare.
CAN warned that the continued deterioration of child safety could erode public confidence in the education system and the state’s ability to secure citizens.
Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, in his Children’s Day message, assured Nigerians that his administration had intensified efforts to rescue abducted children and improve school security nationwide.
The president said security agencies had been directed to strengthen coordinated, intelligence-led operations aimed at securing the safe return of all kidnapped children.
Tinubu also ordered enhanced protection measures for schools in high-risk areas, including improved vulnerability mapping, better coordination between security agencies and state governments, and stronger community-based early warning systems.
He emphasized that the Safe Schools framework must be fully implemented, with clear responsibilities and rapid response mechanisms in place to protect students.
The president assured families of abducted children that the government had not abandoned them, adding that efforts were ongoing to ensure their safe return and that perpetrators would be brought to justice.
Tinubu further stated that rescued children would receive proper reintegration support, including medical care, counselling, education and psychological rehabilitation.
He also called on communities, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth groups and other stakeholders to actively participate in safeguarding schools and preventing attacks.
According to him, the protection of children is a collective responsibility that extends beyond government institutions.
The president reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child has access to safe education, healthcare, nutrition and opportunities to thrive in a secure environment.
