Women lawyers express concern over attacks on Nigerian schools

The International Federation of Women Lawyers has expressed concern over the recurring attacks on schools across the country, warning that the trend continues to expose children to grave dangers and undermine their right to education.

Addressing a press conference ahead of FIDA’s Second Quarter National Executive Council meeting on Wednesday, the Country Vice President, Eliana Martins, said the rising cases of insecurity, particularly abductions involving schoolchildren, reflected a troubling pattern of violations against women and children that required urgent intervention.

She stated that recent incidents, including the abduction of schoolchildren in Oyo and Borno states, highlighted the vulnerability of children even within learning environments.

“Particularly troubling are the recurring attacks on educational institutions and learning environments, which continue to undermine children’s right to education and safety,” Martins said.

“The recent kidnappings and abductions involving school children in Ondo State and Maiduguri, Borno State, serve as stark reminders that many Nigerian children remain vulnerable to insecurity even within spaces meant to nurture and protect them,” she added.

The concern comes amid growing anxiety over the fate of dozens of pupils and teachers abducted in coordinated attacks on schools in Oyo and Borno states on May 15.

In Oyo State, gunmen attacked three schools in Yawota and Ahoro-Esinle communities in Oriire Local Government Area, abducting 39 pupils and seven teachers, with one of the teachers eventually killed in captivity.

More than a month after the attack, the victims remain in captivity, with Governor Seyi Makinde saying intelligence reports indicated that they were being held within the vast Old Oyo National Park corridor.

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In Borno State, suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Mussa Primary and Junior Secondary School in Askira-Uba Local Government Area and abducted at least 42 pupils, many of them aged between two and 14 years.

The children have also remained in captivity since the incident, with families expressing fears over their safety and the lack of communication from the abductors.

Describing the situation as unacceptable, FIDA called on the Federal and state governments and security agencies to strengthen security around schools and communities and ensure the safe recovery of all abducted children.

“In light of these developments, FIDA Nigeria calls on the Federal and State Governments, security agencies, judicial institutions, child protection agencies, and all relevant stakeholders to… strengthen security around schools and communities, and ensure the protection and safe recovery of abducted children,” the group stated.

The association also urged authorities to investigate and prosecute perpetrators of violence against women and children and fully implement laws protecting women and children, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Act.

Beyond insecurity, FIDA lamented the prevalence of sexual and gender-based violence, child abuse, trafficking, harmful practices and technology-facilitated violence against women and children.

“The frequency and severity of violations against women and children in Nigeria can no longer be treated as isolated incidents; they reflect a troubling national pattern that demands urgent and sustained action,” Martins stated in her address.

The organisation reiterated its commitment to promoting and protecting the rights of women and children through legal representation, advocacy and public interest litigation.