May 28, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
The Save Public Education Campaign has called for the urgent rescue and unconditional release of students and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, describing the incident as another painful reminder of the worsening insecurity threatening Nigeria’s education sector.
In a statement released to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, the education advocacy group lamented that while millions of children across the country were expected to celebrate the occasion, many others continue to live in fear due to insecurity, poverty, and limited access to quality education.
The group strongly condemned the abduction in Oriire, warning that persistent attacks on schools are creating panic among parents, teachers, and students nationwide.
According to the campaign:
“Schools should be centres of learning and development, not hunting grounds for kidnappers, bandits and criminal elements.”
The group further stated that continuous attacks on educational institutions have worsened Nigeria’s already alarming out-of-school children crisis, while discouraging parents from sending their children to school.
Calling on the Federal Government, Oyo State Government, and security agencies to act swiftly, the campaign demanded the safe return of all abducted victims.
“On this Children’s Day celebration, we demand the immediate and unconditional rescue and release of all abducted students and teachers in Oriire Local Government Area. Government and security agencies must act swiftly and decisively to ensure their safe return,” the statement read.
The organisation also urged authorities to strengthen security around schools by deploying necessary personnel, improving surveillance, and providing safer learning environments for children and teachers across the country.
Speaking on the broader state of public education in Nigeria, the group linked the rising insecurity to poor funding and neglect of the education sector, stressing that a nation that fails to protect its children is putting its future at risk.
“A society that fails to protect its children and guarantee their right to education is endangering its own future,” the campaign stated.
The group further called on workers, parents, students, civil society organisations, and democratic groups to unite in defending public education and protecting Nigerian children from violence and abduction.
Ending its message with a strong appeal, the campaign declared:
“Children deserve books, not bullets; classrooms, not fear; education, not abduction.”
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