Students' Kidnap: $15bn not enough investment for safe school project—AYGF

The Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF) has voiced concerns over the inadequacy of funds allocated for the safe school project in Nigeria, stating that the $15 billion investment is not enough to address the growing insecurity issue in the country.

The Executive Director, AYGF, Dr. Arome Salifu, made this known at a press conference, on Friday, in Abuja.

According to him, In a single state we have primary schools and secondary schools and even higher institutions but in terms of priority we should be looking at primary schools and secondary schools and so this $15bn amount is not enough and it shows that the government is yet to really commit to the project. 

This was even as he condemned the recent kidnapping of some school pupils in Kaduna and Sokoto States.

Salifu noted that if the vices should continue unabated, a good number of Nigerians would populate the growing list of illiteracy in the country.

He called on stakeholders both locally and internationally to intervene and secure the safe return of the kidnapped children.

In his words, “The Africa Youth Growth Foundation (AYGF), a non-governmental organization dedicated to fostering the growth of minorities and advancing quality education, condemns in strong terms the unfortunate and continuous abduction of school children in Nigeria with the most recent kidnapping of Over 280 pupils in Kaduna state and 15 pupils in Sokoto state.

“The Bandits, who have requested a ransom of 1 billion naira ($621,848), reportedly invaded the Kuriga area of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State last Thursday, shooting at their victims before taking away pupils and teachers from Government Secondary School and LEA primary school at Kuriga, Kaduna State.

“They also forced their way into the premises of a school in the Sokoto village of Gidan Bakuso, in the country’s northwest, where they fired shots sporadically, waking and causing panic among the pupils.

“AYGF expresses outrage at how porous the security of the Nation has become in schools noting, that constant abduction of children will further increase the number of out-of-school children and also cause setbacks for the education sector.

“Education is the building block of every society and a fundamental human right, as uneducated children can become willing tools in the hands of criminal and terrorist groups.

“Report shows that in the past ten years, Nigeria has witnessed more than 17 mass kidnappings, an unpleasant record for any country and government.

“AYGF is worried that a country with a strong security apparatus has not been able to figure out the whereabouts of the school children.

“We understand the federal government has stated in strong terms that it will not condone abductions or kidnapping or any kind of criminality in the country, therefore we urge all relevant security agencies to take very proactive steps to secure the safe release of all the children currently in captivity.

“We cannot allow this to become another Chibok situation. AYGF calls upon all key stakeholders, both nationally and internationally, to intervene and secure the safe return of the kidnapped children.”

He, however, empathized with the families of those affected and reiterated that the security of lives and property should be of utmost priority to our government and its relevant security agencies.

He advocated a swift and coordinated response from the Nigerian government, particularly law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies, and crisis negotiators.

He suggested that the root causes of kidnappings, such as poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and historical grievances in the region, should be addressed.

According to him, there should be increased security measures and support, including the installation of CCTV cameras and additional security personnel.

AYGF advocates for increased resources and support for vulnerable communities like Chikun, often targeted by kidnappers as well as every community where schools exist.

“Revamping the Safe School Initiative: The govt must revisit its commitment to this initiative.

“It must immediately review progress made, provide the funding that it reneged on previously and get every stakeholder working again to ensure the success of the initiative. We must keep our children safe while in school.

“Supporting Affected Families: Emotional and psychological support services must be provided to the families of the abducted children. Clear communication and regular updates from authorities throughout the crisis are essential.

“Accountability and Transparency: We demand accountability from Nigerian authorities in apprehending and prosecuting those responsible within the stringent ambits of the law.

“Transparency should be a guiding principle throughout the investigation, keeping the public informed without jeopardising the children’s safety and safeguarding against spreading fake news that might create panic and uproar,” he added.