CAN Laments Insecurity, Abuse Of Nigerian Children

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has expressed concern over the growing threats facing Nigerian children and urged governments and security agencies to take immediate steps to protect schools and ensure the safety and welfare of young Nigerians.

In a statement issued yesterday to commemorate Children’s Day 2026, the president of CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, said the celebration was marked by both gratitude for the lives and potential of Nigerian children and sadness over the worsening insecurity, violence and neglect confronting many families.

The group particularly lamented the recent attacks on schools in Oyo State, where pupils and teachers were abducted by gunmen, leaving their parents traumatised and communities in fear.

According to CAN, the incident had raised serious concerns about the safety of children and the future of education in Nigeria.

“CAN is deeply troubled by the plight of children who remain in captivity and by the emotional agony their families continue to endure. No child should have to experience fear and violence in a place meant for learning, protection and hope,” he said.

The association also expressed concern for teachers caught in such violent situations alongside their pupils, describing educators as guardians and role models who play vital roles in shaping the future of children.

“Teachers do far more than teach lessons in classrooms. They guide, protect, encourage and nurture children entrusted to their care every day. In many ways, they become trusted guardians and second parents to the young lives they help shape,” CAN stated.

The organisation noted that the thought of teachers facing fear and uncertainty, alongside the children they were trying to protect, should weigh heavily on the nation’s conscience.

It warned that a country where parents are afraid to send their children to school and teachers are uncertain about their safety cannot claim to be securing its future.

Beyond insecurity, CAN lamented that millions of Nigerian children continue to suffer from poverty, hunger, abuse, trafficking, child labour and poor access to quality education and healthcare.

The association said these challenges were gradually denying many children the dignity, stability and opportunities they deserve.

CAN therefore called on governments at all levels and security agencies to treat the protection of schools and children as an urgent national responsibility.

“Children must never become victims of a failing security system or repeated targets for criminal violence,” he added.

The body also urged political leaders to recognise that attacks on schools weaken public confidence, undermine national development, and leave emotional scars that can affect an entire generation.