Abuja: The Civil Society Action Coalition on Education for All (CSACEFA) has issued a call for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted schoolchildren and teachers nationwide. The coalition also urged governments at all levels to suspend June 12 Democracy Day celebrations if the victims are not rescued in time.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the National Moderator of CSACEFA, Peculiar Caleb, made this call during a news briefing in Abuja. She was reacting to recent abductions in Oyo and Borno states that involved schoolchildren and teachers. Caleb emphasized that celebrating democracy is unwise while citizens, including children and teachers, remain in captivity, exposed to fear, hunger, and uncertainty. She suggested that if the victims are not released, June 12 should instead be a day of sober reflection.
Caleb highlighted that attacks on schools have become a sustained and dangerous pattern across several regions of the country. Schools have increasingly become targets of violence and abductions, affecting children, teachers, and families. CSACEFA strongly condemns these attacks, stating that schools should be safe havens, not terror zones. Caleb noted that each kidnapping results in trauma, learning loss, school closures, and increased absenteeism, further stating that Nigeria already has one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally.
Additionally, Caleb warned that the ongoing situation could undermine Nigeria’s credibility as it prepares to co-host the 2026 Global Partnership for Education (GPE) Replenishment Campaign with Italy. She urged government action beyond reactive responses, advocating for preventive measures to protect schools and learners.
Earlier, CSACEFA’s Policy Advisor, Odinakachi Ahanonu, stated that despite Nigeria’s endorsement of the Safe Schools Declaration and adoption of the National Policy on Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Schools, threats persist in educational institutions. Ahanonu called for the immediate rescue of abducted victims, enhanced school security, and regular public updates on rescue efforts, along with psycho-social support for affected families.
Similarly, the Programme Manager of CSACEFA, Mr. Demian Mary-Adeleke, pointed out that the challenge lies in weak policy implementation, not the absence of policies. He called for increased financing of school safety initiatives and stressed the need for stronger collaboration among governments, security agencies, and civil society organizations to safeguard schools. Mary-Adeleke emphasized that policy announcements must translate into funded and coordinated actions.