Children’s Day: Ezekwesili, Enioluwa, others call for urgent action on abducted school children 

As Nigeria marked Children’s Day, prominent voices including former Minister of Education Oby Ezekwesili and influencer Enioluwa Adeoluwa have renewed calls for urgent government intervention to secure the release of abducted schoolchildren across the country.

The stakeholders and advocates used the occasion to highlight the continued vulnerability of pupils to kidnapping incidents in several parts of Nigeria, urging authorities to strengthen security around schools and ensure swift rescue operations for victims still in captivity.

Their remarks come amid ongoing national concern over repeated attacks on educational institutions and communities, particularly in the northern region, where cases of student abductions have remained a persistent security challenge in recent years.

Ezekwesili, known for her advocacy on governance and education reform, has consistently called for stronger accountability and improved security measures to protect children and ensure access to safe learning environments. Enioluwa and other public figures also used social media platforms to amplify calls for action, drawing attention to the emotional and social impact of unresolved abduction cases on families.

While authorities have repeatedly stated that efforts are ongoing to combat insecurity and rescue victims, civil society actors argue that more decisive and coordinated action is needed to prevent further attacks and ensure the safe return of abducted pupils.

Children’s Day celebrations across the country were therefore accompanied by renewed reflection on child safety, education security, and the broader challenge of protecting vulnerable communities from violent crime.