The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has expressed deep concern for the safety of children in Nigeria just as it urges President Tinubu led government to intensify its.efforts in protecting them..
CAN made the plea in a statement signed by its president, Archbishop Daniel Okoh on May 27 to mark Children’s Day 2026
The body noted that this year’s children’s day celebration comes at a painful time for many families following recent attacks on schools in Oyo State, where pupils and teachers were abducted by gunmen, leaving parents traumatised and communities shaken.
According to CAN, the abduction incident has once again raised painful questions about the safety of children and the future of education in an atmosphere of worsening insecurity.
The Christian body expressed deep concern about the plight of the children who remain in captivity and 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.” The body stated
It also expressed concern for the teachers caught in the tragic situations alongside their pupils.
It stated, “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.. The thought of teachers facing fear and uncertainty together with the children they were trying to protect should weigh heavily on the conscience of the nation.”
CAN noted that a situation.where parents are afraid to send their children to school and teachers are uncertain about their safety is worrisome
Beyond insecurity, CAN observed that millions of Nigerian children continue to struggle with poverty, hunger, abuse, trafficking, child labour and limited access to quality education and healthcare.
These challenges according to CAN are steadily denying many children the stability, dignity and opportunities they deserve.
The body then called on governments at all levels and security agencies to treat the protection of schools and children as an urgent national responsibility adding that “children must never become victims of a failing security system or repeated targets for criminal violence.”
It urged leaders to recognise that every attack on a school damages public confidence, weakens national development and leaves emotional scars that can shape the future of a generation.
CAN called on all stakeholders to work together to protect children, strengthen moral values and create environments where young people can grow without fear
It appealed to children not to lose hope. “Your future remains important, your lives have value and your dreams deserve protection and support.. As the nation marks Children’s Day 2026, may this occasion awaken a deeper sense of responsibility among leaders and citizens alike to build a Nigeria where every child can live, learn and grow in peace, safety and dignity.’ the body stated.