S.O.S ALIEME

The abducted pupils and teachers from the Oriire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, Oyo State, remain in captivity. The mass abduction, which took place in late May, has tragically resulted in the deaths of at least two teachers, while dozens of children and educators continue to be held in the forests.  An estimated 40 to 46 schoolchildren and teachers were matched into the forests leading toward the Old Oyo National Park. Community and family records indicate that the victims include very young children and toddlers. At least two educators have been killed by the bandits while in captivity.

Two days after the kidnapping, Michael Oyedokun, 57, a Mathematics teacher, was beheaded in captivity. The killing was filmed and released on social media, prompting national outrage. Additionally, a local community resident who joined the search party was killed by an explosive device reportedly planted by the attackers. Heart breaking videos emerged from the kidnappers’ den showing captive teachers and crying children pleading with the government and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) for a peaceful rescue.

This is so heart breaking, imagine those babies going through pain, for days going to a month, sleeping in the forest experiencing cold, mosquito bites under harsh conditions and the end is not even in sight. This is so heart breaking, imagine some of us who are not kidnapped also feel the pain seeing this. You can imagine the sleepless nights those children’s parents are going through not knowing what is happening to their children.

Kidnapped children in Nigeria face varying fates. While hundreds have recently been freed or rescued by security forces, dozens of others remain in captivity, facing severe physical and psychological trauma. Some children and captive teachers do not survive the ordeal, tragically succumbing to illness, fatigue, or brutality. Rescued children are usually taken to secure military or government facilities for medical care and psychosocial support. Psychiatrists warn that survivors face significant risks of post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and emotional instability long after being freed. Some of these children have never witnessed these type of harrowing experience. It is a very bad experience to them because since they were born they never heard any good news about their fatherland. 

This is very unfortunate. The situation affects everybody, but experts say ordinary students, teachers and small-scale farmers are bearing the brunt of the crisis. Security forces have tracked the kidnappers’ location, cutting off their escape routes, and have made several arrests of suspects and alleged local informants.

However, as of early June, the hostages have not yet been freed, leading to continued tension and demands from locals for immediate resolution.

Insecurity in Nigeria severely cripples the economy, disrupts agriculture, exacerbates food inflation, and triggers mass internal displacement. It diverts critical public funds toward defense, disrupts vital supply chains, and deters domestic and foreign investments, directly worsening widespread poverty and unemployment. The worst part is that education can no longer be accessed under a conducive environment and atmosphere.  This is exactly what the Boko Haram sects are agitating for.

What is actually the fate of these kidnapped children? It is a question that needed million answers. The government must do something about them because these are the future of tomorrow. The Nigerian state is increasingly unable to fulfil its most fundamental duty: protecting its citizens. What is the solution if there is any, to curb this menace of kidnappings and banditry?  It is only God that can help us because the government has failed us woefully.

Addressing Nigeria's insecurity requires a multi-faceted approach that tackles the root, economic, political, and social drivers of violence rather than relying solely on military force. Federal policing should be decentralized through state-level policing structures, and boost manpower through the massive recruitment and training of police personnel. Agencies must prioritize intelligence-led operations over reactive responses. Tackle youth unemployment and poverty by investing in rural development, vocational skills training, and agricultural stabilization to deter individuals from joining criminal and extremist networks.

Empower traditional and religious leaders to build trust, foster local dialogue, and participate in community-based peace building initiatives. Eradicate corruption, ensure speedy justice delivery for terrorism and banditry cases, and eliminate marginalization so that citizens may have faith in state institutions.

Strengthen collaboration with neighbouring Sahel countries and international partners to stem the illegal influx of small arms and dismantle transnational criminal networks. Comprehensive efforts are needed to restore peace, encourage investment, and revive economic activities that will alleviate the widespread poverty and food insecurity exacerbated by the current state of insecurity. 

God bless Nigeria!!!