As insecurity continues to tear through Nigeria’s education system, the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) has raised fresh alarm over the abduction of students and teachers in Oyo and Borno States, warning that the country is “normalising national tragedy” under weak leadership response.
In a statement issued on Saturday, CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim M. Zikirullahi, said the repeated attacks on schools show that Nigeria is losing the war against banditry and terrorism while government responses remain inadequate and slow.
Zikirullahi described the May 15 incidents as deeply disturbing, noting that gunmen attacked three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, abducting 39 students and seven teachers, while suspected Boko Haram fighters kidnapped 42 schoolchildren in Mussa community, Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State.
He said the situation reflects a country where children are increasingly becoming “soft targets” for armed groups operating with little resistance.
“What we are witnessing is a gradual normalisation of horror. Children are being taken from classrooms, yet weeks later there is no decisive breakthrough. This is unacceptable in any functioning state,” Zikirullahi said.
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The CHRICED boss warned that the pattern of mass abductions points to deeper structural failures in Nigeria’s security architecture.
“These are not isolated tragedies. They are evidence of a sustained breakdown in intelligence, prevention, and response systems,” he added.
He expressed concern that despite nationwide grief, government attention appears distracted, questioning the leadership’s sense of urgency.
“The continued inability to rescue these children raises serious questions about priorities and political will. Every day of silence deepens public despair,” Zikirullahi stated.
CHRICED also criticised recent public displays of luxury and celebration by political actors, particularly activities involving the First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, which it described as “tone-deaf” in the face of national suffering.
Zikirullahi said leadership must reflect empathy, especially during periods of crisis.
“When children are in captivity, leadership must not project celebration. Governance must reflect sensitivity to national pain,” he said.
He added that the contrast between public hardship and elite privilege has widened public anger.
“Parents are crying out for the return of their children while the state appears engaged in symbolic politics. This gap is dangerous for national trust,” he warned.
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CHRICED urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritise the rescue of abducted victims and overhaul the country’s security strategy.
“The protection of Nigerian children must become a national emergency. Anything short of urgent, measurable action is a failure of responsibility,” Zikirullahi said.
The organisation also called for greater sensitivity from public office holders, warning that national grief should not be overshadowed by political display.
“At a time like this, restraint is not optional—it is a moral obligation,” he concluded.
CHRICED reiterated its call for immediate and coordinated action to secure the release of all abducted victims and restore confidence in Nigeria’s ability to protect its citizens.