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• Decries Rising Banditry, Child Abductions
• Calls for Nationwide Action Against Insecurity
From our news desk, Benin
The leadership of the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa Worldwide, a Pan-African organisation, has expressed deep concern over the growing wave of child abductions and worsening insecurity across the country, warning that the trend poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s future and national development.
In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Dr. Charles Chimezie (Ph.D), the organisation condemned the activities of bandits and kidnappers who abduct children and allegedly subject them to exploitation within criminal networks, describing the development as a direct assault on the nation’s collective future.
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The group’s concern comes amid increasing cases of kidnappings across various parts of the country, including the recent abduction of 45 teachers and students in Oyo State by suspected bandits.
The incident, which sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools and vulnerable communities, has further highlighted the country’s security challenges.
According to Dr. Chimezie, every child taken away from his or her family represents a life disrupted, a dream endangered and a future placed in jeopardy.
He stressed that the affected children deserve protection, rehabilitation and the opportunity to grow in a safe and secure environment.
“A nation that tolerates the loss of its children has lost its future. Every child deserves a home, not a hideout. Every child deserves love, not fear,” he stated.
The NBM of Africa called on the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to intensify efforts aimed at rescuing children currently in captivity, dismantling criminal networks and restoring peace to affected communities nationwide.
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The Pan-African organisation noted that insecurity had continued to devastate families, displace communities and rob countless children of access to education, identity and hope, adding that urgent intervention had become imperative to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
“The abduction of children by bandits is a grave violation of human rights and a direct threat to our collective future.
“Insecurity in Nigeria has devastated families, displaced communities and robbed countless children of their childhood, identity, education and hope,” Dr. Chimezie noted.
The organisation further urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups and well-meaning Nigerians to unite against what it described as a growing menace capable of undermining the nation’s social and economic stability if left unchecked.
“We call on governments at all levels to prioritise the rescue and rehabilitation of affected children. Our children are our responsibility, our future and our greatest asset,” the statement added.
“We urge communities, religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations and all Nigerians to join hands in protecting our children and securing the future of our nation. The time to act is now.”
Reaffirming its commitment to child protection and humanitarian advocacy, the NBM of Africa Worldwide said it would continue to promote awareness, support vulnerable communities and champion initiatives aimed at safeguarding the dignity, welfare and well-being of children, insisting that the protection of every child remains a critical pillar of national development and a safer Nigeria.
Dr. Charles Chimezie (Ph.D), President, NBM of Africa Worldwide
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