By Stella Odueme
The Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), a non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering the growth of minorities and advancing quality education, has ondemnned in strong terms the unfortunate and continuous abduction of school children in Nigeria with the most recent kidnapping of over 280 pupils in Kaduna state and 15 pupils in Sokoto state, demanding for their immediate release.
The Executive Director of AYGF, Dr. Arome Salifu who said the wanton kidnapping is an attack on education, advocated capital punishment for kidnappers.
The bandits, who are said to have requested a ransom of 1 billion naira ($621,848),
reportedly invaded the Kuriga area of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna
State last Thursday, shooting at their victims before taking away pupils and
teachers from Government Secondary School and LEA primary school at Kuriga,
Kaduna State. They also forced their way into the premises of a school in the
Sokoto village of Gidan Bakuso, in the country’s northwest, where they fired shots
sporadically, waking and causing panic among the pupils.
At a press briefing on Friday in Abuja, Dr Salifu recalled that report has shown that in the past ten years, Nigeria has witnessed more than 17 mass
kidnappings.
He expressed outrage at how porous the security of the nation has become in
schools noting, that constant abduction of children will further increase the
number of out-of-school children and also cause setbacks for the education
sector.
“Education is the building block of every society and a fundamental human
right, as uneducated children can become willing tools in the hands of criminal
and terrorist groups.
” AYGF is
worried that a country with strong security apparatus has not been able to figure
out the whereabouts of the schoolchildren. We understand the federal
government has stated in strong terms that it will not condone abductions or
kidnapping or any kind of criminality in the country, therefore we urge all
relevant security agencies to take very proactive steps to secure the safe release of
all the children currently in captivity.
“We cannot allow this to become another
Chibok situation. AYGF calls upon all key stakeholders, both nationally and
internationally, to intervene and secure the safe return of the kidnapped children.
” We empathize with the families of those affected and reiterate that the security of
lives and property should be of utmost priority to our government and its
relevant security agencies.,” he stated.
As a way out, he recommended multifaceted approach of swift and
coordinated response from security agencies, crisis negotiators; collaboration
with local communities who may know the kidnappers’ whereabouts; focus on safe return and addressing the root causes.
“Negotiations must prioritize
the safe and unharmed return of the children. We also call for addressing the root
causes of these kidnappings, such as poverty, lack of educational opportunities,
and historical grievances in the region.
“Increased security measures and support: implementing security
measures in schools and surrounding areas, including strategically placed CCTV
cameras and additional security personnel, should be considered.
” AYGF
advocates for increased resources and support for vulnerable communities like
Chikun, often targeted by kidnappers as well as every community where schools
exist.
“The govt must revisit its Safe School initiative and review progress made,
provide the funding that it reneged on previously and get every stake holder
working again to ensure the success of the initiative. We must keep our children
safe while in supporting affected families.
“Emotional and psychological support services
must be provided to the families of the abducted children. Clear communication
and regular updates from authorities throughout the crisis are essential.
” We demand accountability from Nigerian
authorities in apprehending and prosecuting those responsible within the
stringent ambits of the law. Transparency should be a guiding principle
throughout the investigation, keeping the public informed without jeopardizing
the children’s safety and safeguarding against spreading fake news that might
create panic and uproar.”
