Women Lawyers Express Alarm Over Rising Attacks on Schools and Abductions

The International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA) has voiced deep concern regarding the increasing frequency of attacks on educational institutions across Nigeria, warning that these incidents are severely undermining children’s safety and their fundamental right to education.

During a press conference held ahead of the organization’s Second Quarter National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, FIDA Country Vice President, Eliana Martins, highlighted the vulnerability of students in learning environments. She pointed specifically to recent mass abductions in Oyo and Borno states as evidence of a disturbing national pattern of violence against children and women.

Over a month ago, 39 pupils and seven teachers were abducted by gunmen from schools in the Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State. Authorities have reported that one teacher was killed in captivity, while the remaining victims continue to be held. Similarly, in Borno State, at least 42 students were abducted from a school in the Askira-Uba Local Government Area. Despite the time elapsed, many of these children remain in the hands of their abductors, leaving families in a state of growing despair.

FIDA described the situation as unacceptable and urged the federal and state governments, along with security agencies, to immediately strengthen protective measures around schools. Martins emphasized the need for an urgent, coordinated response to secure the safe release of all abducted children.

Beyond the threat of school attacks, the association expressed broader alarm over the surge in sexual and gender-based violence, child abuse, and human trafficking. FIDA called on judicial and law enforcement authorities to prioritize the prosecution of perpetrators and to ensure the rigorous implementation of existing protective frameworks, such as the Child Rights Act and the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act.

The organization reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for the rights of women and children through legal aid and public interest litigation, insisting that the frequency of these violations can no longer be dismissed as isolated events but must be addressed as a critical national crisis.