…marks day of innocent children and victims of aggression
By Jude Opara
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Chief Tony Ojukwu, has urged the Federal Government to without further delay rescue all kidnapped school children in captivity, including the Oyo school children and other innocent children held in parts of the country.
Ojukwu who condemned the recent abduction of school children and teachers in Oyo and Borno states, and other similar incidents, described the abductions as grave violations of children’s rights and a direct attack on their right to education, safety, and dignity.
The NHRC boss who was speaking on the 2026 International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression, said abductions, sexual violence, trafficking, child labour, recruitment by armed groups, and corporal punishments violate Nigeria’s obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child, as well as the Child Rights Act, 2003.
“Every child has the right to life, dignity, protection, and education. Attacks on schools and children constitute breach of this right and NHRC demand zero tolerance to attacks and violence against school children ,” Chief Ojukwu stated.
The Executive Secretary called for full implementation of the Federal Government’s Safe Schools Initiative through funded security infrastructure, trained personnel, safe transit routes, and community protection systems. He further called on the Senate to pass the bill on safe schools proposed by NHRC, Ward C, Education is a vacine, fed ministry of education and other relevant stakeholders.
He equally urged the enforcement of the Child Rights Act 2003 in all states and effective use of the Universal Basic Education Act, 2004, to reduce children’s vulnerability to exploitation.
The NHRC will monitor, investigate, and pursue redress for all violations against children. The Executive Secretary lfurther called for scaled psychosocial support and safe learning environments free from fear, violence, and neglect.
“As we mark this day, we reaffirm: no child should be left behind. Rescue the abducted, prosecute the perpetrators, and protect every Nigerian child,” he said.
The International Day of Innocent Children Victims of Aggression is observed annually on 4th June.
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