The Christian Association of Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to urgently strengthen the protection of schools and children across the country as Nigerians mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration.
In a statement released on Wednesday, CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, expressed concern over the worsening insecurity threatening the safety and future of Nigerian children.
While celebrating the resilience and potential of children nationwide, Okoh said the association remains deeply worried about the increasing violence, abductions and neglect affecting young people in different parts of the country.
The Christian body particularly condemned the recent attacks on schools in Oyo State, where gunmen reportedly abducted pupils and teachers, leaving families devastated and communities gripped by fear.
According to CAN, the tragic incidents have raised serious concerns about the safety of schools and the future of education in Nigeria.
“No child should experience fear, violence or insecurity in an environment meant for learning, protection and hope,” the statement noted.
The association also sympathised with families whose children and relatives remain in captivity, describing their pain and uncertainty as heartbreaking.
CAN further praised the dedication of teachers, saying their responsibilities extend far beyond classroom teaching.
“Teachers serve as mentors, protectors and guardians to children under their care. The thought of educators facing danger alongside the students they tried to protect should trouble the conscience of the nation,” the association stated.
The group warned that continued insecurity within schools poses a major threat to Nigeria’s future, stressing that no nation can progress when parents are afraid to send their children to school and teachers are uncertain about their safety.
Beyond insecurity, CAN highlighted other challenges confronting children, including poverty, hunger, child labour, trafficking, abuse and limited access to quality education and healthcare.
The association urged federal and state governments, alongside security agencies, to make the protection of schools and children a top national priority.
“Children must never become casualties of insecurity or repeated targets of criminal violence,” CAN declared.
It also called on parents, religious institutions, traditional rulers, schools, media organisations and community leaders to work together in promoting child protection, moral values and safer communities.
Addressing children living in conflict-prone and difficult conditions, CAN encouraged them not to lose hope, assuring them that their dreams and futures remain valuable and deserving of protection.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to advocating policies, justice and responsible leadership that will safeguard the welfare and future of every Nigerian child.
The appeal follows recent attacks by bandits in Oriire Local Government Area, where pupils and teachers of Community High School, Ahoro-Esinle, alongside other residents, were abducted.
Several people were reportedly killed during the attacks, while one of the abducted teachers, Mr. Michael Oyedokun, was allegedly murdered after a disturbing video linked to the incident surfaced online.
