The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has raised alarm over rising insecurity, violence, and neglect affecting Nigerian children, warning that persistent attacks on schools and worsening social conditions threaten the nation’s future.
In a statement for Children’s Day 2026, CAN President Daniel Okoh cited the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State as a stark reminder of the dangers facing students and schools nationwide.
CAN said the continued captivity of some victims has left families traumatized and communities shaken. “No child should live in fear or face violence in schools meant to provide learning, safety, and hope,” the association stated.
The group also sympathized with teachers caught in the attacks, noting that beyond teaching, educators often act as guardians, mentors, and protectors.
“The thought of teachers facing fear and uncertainty alongside the children they were trying to protect should weigh heavily on the nation’s conscience,” the statement read.
CAN warned that a society where parents are afraid to send children to school cannot claim to be securing its future.
Beyond insecurity, CAN highlighted broader challenges facing children: poverty, hunger, trafficking, child labor, abuse, and limited access to quality healthcare and education.
It urged governments and security agencies to make protecting schools and children an urgent national priority, saying repeated attacks erode public confidence and leave lasting emotional scars.
CAN also called on parents, religious bodies, traditional institutions, schools, media, and community leaders to work together to protect children and promote moral values.
The association encouraged children living under difficult conditions not to lose hope, assuring them that their lives and aspirations matter.
“As the nation marks Children’s Day 2026, may this occasion awaken a deeper sense of responsibility among leaders and citizens to build a Nigeria where every child can live, learn, and grow in peace, safety, and dignity,” the statement added.
CAN reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for responsible leadership and policies that safeguard the welfare and future of Nigerian children.
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