A deeply emotional scene unfolded in Maitama, Abuja, where a mother, accompanied by her three children dressed in school uniforms, staged a peaceful roadside protest over the worsening insecurity affecting schools across Nigeria.
Holding placards with messages demanding the rescue of kidnapped pupils, the children stood quietly beside their mother as she voiced fears shared by many parents nationwide. She explained that the growing frequency of school abductions has made it increasingly difficult for families to feel safe sending their children to school.
Her statement, “I am afraid of taking my children to school because of what is happening,” struck a chord online after the video was shared by ARISE News on X, triggering widespread reactions and renewed public concern.
The protest comes amid ongoing national anxiety following several recent kidnappings in northern and southwestern Nigeria, including cases in Oyo and Borno States. Some victims have been rescued, while others remain in captivity, heightening pressure on authorities.
Security agencies have continued operations involving police tactical units, military deployments, and newly introduced forest guard initiatives in states like Oyo, Kebbi, Kwara, and others aimed at flushing out armed groups operating in rural areas.
Public commentators and social media users have increasingly called for not just rescue operations, but long-term reforms in school security, intelligence gathering, and rapid emergency response systems.
