The Save Public Education Campaign (SPEC) has welcomed the safe release of 24 schoolgirls abducted in Kebbi State, describing it as both “a profound relief” and “a stark reminder of Nigeria’s ongoing failure to protect schoolchildren.”
In a statement issued Wednesday, SPEC, led by Comrade Vivian Bello and Comrade Dimeji Macaulay, emphasized that while the girls’ freedom is a moment of joy, it highlights the persistent dangers faced by learners across the country, particularly in rural communities.
“The children’s ordeal underscores how Nigerian schools have become increasingly unsafe despite years of promises, policies, and emergency declarations,” the group said.
While commending all involved in securing the girls’ release, SPEC stressed that repeated attacks on schools represent a direct assault on Nigeria’s future. The group called for a coordinated response from both federal and state authorities, including trained security personnel, early warning systems, and community-based intelligence networks.
“No child should ever fear for their life simply because they seek an education,” the statement said. “The repeated targeting of schools undermines the fundamental right to education and threatens the future of countless young Nigerians.”
SPEC also urged a transparent investigation into the abduction to ensure accountability, alongside sustained psychosocial care, medical treatment, and educational reintegration for the rescued girls. The organization emphasized the importance of protecting and strengthening public education infrastructure, in line with the 2023 Child Rights Act.
Finally, SPEC called for robust community engagement and early-response mechanisms involving government, local communities, civil society, and security agencies to prevent future attacks, ensuring that schools become “sanctuaries of learning, not theatres of violence.”
The group reaffirmed its solidarity with families of children still in captivity, urging intensified efforts to secure their safe release.
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