By The Southwest chapter of the Association of Private School Owners of Nigeria (APSON) has expressed concern over the increasing wave of insecurity affecting schools across Nigeria, warning that continued attacks on educational institutions could worsen the country’s out-of-school children crisis.
In a statement issued on Wednesday May 27, 2026 to mark the 2026 Children’s Day celebration, APSON Southwest President, Oyeyemi Aduwo, described education as the foundation of national development and stressed the need for urgent protection of schools and learners.
The association said persistent attacks on schools now pose a major threat to learning across the country, especially in the Southwest region.
APSON noted that incidents of abduction and violent attacks on schools have continued to expose weaknesses in Nigeria’s educational security framework since the 2014 Chibok schoolgirls’ kidnapping.
“Since the 2014 Chibok kidnapping, armed groups, ranging from jihadists to criminal gangs commonly referred to as bandits, have repeatedly targeted schools for ransom and political leverage” the statement read.
The association referenced several recent incidents, including the November 2025 attack on St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, where more than 300 students and teachers were reportedly abducted by gunmen.
It also cited the abduction of at least 25 girls from Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, alongside another kidnapping involving 12 teenage girls in Borno State.
According to the statement, armed bandits also invaded schools in Ahoro-Esinle, Orire Local Government Area of Oyo State in mid-May 2026.
The attack reportedly affected Baptist Nursery and Primary School, L.A. Primary School and Community Grammar School.
APSON said the victims included secondary school students, nursery and primary school pupils as well as teachers who were left traumatised by the incident.
The association warned that growing insecurity around schools may discourage many parents from sending their children to school due to fears over safety.
“The growing trend of school abductions in Nigeria is a critical security challenge that must be urgently and adequately addressed.” the statement added.
APSON further stated that Nigeria already accounts for one of the highest numbers of out-of-school children globally, with UNICEF estimates ranging between 18.3 million and 20 million children nationwide.
The group called on the Federal Government, state governments and relevant authorities to strengthen the protection of lives and property, support private schools with security measures and create economic opportunities capable of reducing criminal activities among youths.
“We therefore call on the Federal Government, State Governments, Local Governments and all relevant authorities to prioritise the protection of lives and property,” the association stated.
