By Faith Chondol
The Women and Children Crisis Initiative (WOCCI Nigeria) has strongly condemned the abduction of dozens of schoolchildren and teachers in separate attacks on schools in Borno and Oyo states, describing the incidents as a “profound moral failure” and an assault on Nigeria’s future.
In a statement released on Wednesday 27 May 2026 through the office of the director of partnerships and programmes Quality, WOCCI Nigeria Pam Albert Mangs to mark Children’s Day 2026, the organization expressed outrage over the continued insecurity affecting children across the country, particularly those targeted while attending school.
According to WOCCI Nigeria, suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents attacked Mussa Central Primary and Secondary School in Mussa Biri community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State, on May 15, abducting about 48 children aged between three and six years.
The organization said many other pupils fled into nearby bushes during the attack, leaving families and residents traumatized.
In a separate incident on the same day, armed gunmen reportedly stormed three schools in Ahoro-Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 students and seven teachers.
The affected schools include Yawota Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Community Grammar School, and L.A. Primary School.
WOCCI Nigeria said the victims included children aged between two and 16 years, adding that one teacher was killed during the assault.
The group also referenced a Children’s Day celebration in Benin City, Edo State, where poor crowd control allegedly caused chaos at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, resulting in injuries among schoolchildren attending the event.
According to the organization, more than 50 pupils were taken to hospitals for treatment after suffering gas inhalation, respiratory distress, and stampede-related injuries.
Speaking on behalf of the organization, the Director of Partnerships and Programmes Quality, Pam Albert Mangs, said it was contradictory for the country to celebrate Children’s Day while many children remained in captivity or exposed to danger.
“These are not mere numbers. These are babies robbed of safety, ripped from their parents’ arms, denied maternal comfort, and the innocence of childhood,” the statement read.
WOCCI Nigeria called for the immediate and unconditional release of all abducted children and teachers and urged security agencies, including Operation Hadin Kai, the Nigerian Army, and the Nigeria Police Force, to intensify rescue efforts.
The organization further demanded urgent psychosocial support for affected families and communities, stressing that the trauma experienced by the victims could have long-term psychological consequences.
WOCCI Nigeria also urged the Federal Government to fully enforce international and domestic child protection laws, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, and Nigeria’s Child Rights Act 2003.
The organization criticized what it described as poor implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration and called for stronger security measures around educational institutions, especially in vulnerable communities.
It also advocated improved community policing, early-warning systems, and greater accountability among public officials responsible for protecting schools.
WOCCI Nigeria pledged continued support for affected families and vowed to sustain advocacy efforts until all abducted children and teachers are safely returned.
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