Mother, Three Children Stage Protest in Abuja Over Rising School Abductions
A mother and her three children staged a peaceful protest in Abuja’s Maitama district, demanding urgent action to address the growing wave of school abductions and insecurity affecting pupils across Nigeria.
The protest, captured in a video shared by ARISE TV on X on Monday, showed the woman and her children dressed in school uniforms while holding placards calling for the rescue of kidnapped schoolchildren and improved security in schools nationwide.
In the video, the mother expressed fears shared by many parents, saying she was increasingly worried about sending her children to school amid persistent reports of kidnappings.
“I am afraid of taking my children to school because of what is happening. I am scared it is not safe,” she said, urging authorities to take decisive steps to protect pupils and secure the release of children still being held captive.
The symbolic demonstration comes amid renewed concerns over school safety following recent abduction incidents in different parts of the country. It also follows the rescue of the sister of a former Minister of Power and her twin sons, who were kidnapped while on their way to school.
Several schoolchildren abducted in parts of Oyo and Borno states remain in captivity, heightening public anxiety over the security situation.
The protest quickly gained attention on social media, with many Nigerians expressing support for the family’s message and calling for stronger measures to tackle insecurity. Some users revived the hashtag “#BringBackOurSchoolChildren” as they demanded the safe return of abducted pupils.
President Bola Tinubu has repeatedly pledged to intensify efforts against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping, assuring Nigerians that his administration remains committed to securing the release of all persons held captive across the country.
As part of ongoing security measures, the President recently approved the recruitment of 1,000 forest guards in Oyo State to support efforts aimed at rescuing abducted pupils and teachers from schools in Oriire Local Government Area.
Several states, including Kebbi, Gombe, Kwara, Kaduna, Edo, Imo, Bayelsa and Anambra, have also strengthened forest guard operations under a Federal Government-backed initiative designed to improve security and combat criminal activities in vulnerable areas.
