Amnesty International Urges Urgent Action to Protect Nigerian Schoolchildren

Amnesty International has called on the Nigerian government to take immediate and stronger measures to protect schoolchildren across the country amid increasing attacks on schools and the abduction of pupils.

In a statement shared on its official X account on Tuesday, the human rights organisation expressed deep concern over the growing insecurity affecting children, describing empty classrooms as a painful symbol of lives disrupted by violence.

The organisation noted that from Kwara, Kogi, Borno and Oyo states, many children who should be in classrooms learning and preparing for the future are instead living in fear or captivity.

Amnesty International said the continued attacks on educational institutions underscore the urgent need for improved security measures to safeguard schools and protect children’s right to education.

Marking the International Day of the African Child, the organisation reaffirmed its solidarity with affected families and stressed that every child deserves a safe learning environment.

It called on the Federal Government to strengthen community protection, improve security around schools and intensify efforts to secure the safe return of all abducted children.

The organisation also appealed to President Bola Tinubu to act without delay, insisting that Nigerian children cannot afford to wait any longer for decisive action to end the wave of school attacks and kidnappings.