14/06/2026
MEDIA STATEMENT
MOSES ERIM FOUNDATION CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION TO PROTECT CHILDREN, TEACHERS, AND SCHOOLS ACROSS NIGERIA
The Moses Erim Foundation expresses deep concern over the recent attacks on schools and the abduction of children, teachers, and educational personnel in parts of Nigeria, including reported incidents in Oyo and Borno States.
These disturbing incidents represent more than attacks on individuals; they are attacks on the fundamental rights of children to safety, education, dignity, and opportunity. No child should have to fear attending school. No parent should have to worry about a child's safety while seeking an education. No teacher should face danger simply for helping to shape the future of our nation.
As an organisation committed to humanitarian service, child development, education, and community empowerment, we recognise the devastating impact that insecurity has on children, families, and communities. When schools become unsafe, educational progress is disrupted, communities are traumatised, and vulnerable children face increased risks of exploitation, neglect, poverty, and social exclusion.
Schools must remain places of learning, protection, growth, and hope. They should never become targets of violence.
While Nigeria has demonstrated commitment to protecting education through various national and international frameworks, including the Safe Schools Declaration, recent events underscore the urgent need for stronger implementation, sustained investment, and coordinated action to safeguard educational institutions and the children they serve.
The Moses Erim Foundation therefore calls on the Federal Government, State Governments, Security Agencies, Educational Authorities, Community Leaders, Development Partners, and all relevant stakeholders to take immediate and sustained action to:
1. Secure the safe and unconditional release of all abducted children, teachers, and educational personnel.
2. Strengthen security measures and early-warning systems around schools, particularly in vulnerable and underserved communities.
3. Fully implement and adequately fund policies and programmes designed to promote safe, secure, and violence-free learning environments.
4. Provide comprehensive trauma support, psychosocial care, and protection services for affected children, families, educators, and communities.
5. Ensure thorough investigations and accountability for those responsible for attacks against schools and children.
6. Expand investment in community-based child protection initiatives, educational access programmes, and long-term solutions that address insecurity, poverty, and educational exclusion.
We also call upon civil society organisations, faith-based institutions, traditional leaders, youth groups, the private sector, and the media to continue advocating for the protection of children and the preservation of safe learning environments. The safety and future of our children must remain a national priority.
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn in safety. Every teacher deserves the freedom to teach without fear. Every school deserves protection as a place where futures are built and dreams are nurtured.
The Moses Erim Foundation stands in solidarity with the affected children, families, educators, and communities during this difficult time. We remain committed to promoting education, protecting vulnerable children, and advancing initiatives that create safer, stronger, and more resilient communities across Nigeria.
Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an environment free from fear and violence.
Signed:
Management
MOSES ERIM FOUNDATION
https://moseserimfoundation.org/
