The Body of Founders of the Neo-Black Movement of Africa Worldwide has called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to protect children and teachers across the country, warning that rising insecurity poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s future.
The group made the call during a world press conference held on Tuesday at the Nigeria Union of Journalists Press Centre in Asaba, Delta State.
Speaking under the theme, “Bring Back Our Children and Teachers, Protect Nigeria’s Future, Preserve Humanity,” the group expressed concern over rising cases of kidnapping, attacks on schools and other forms of insecurity affecting educational institutions nationwide.
The Body of Founders said children remain the nation’s greatest asset and must be protected from violence, abduction, trafficking, abuse and other threats.
It added that every child deserves safety, dignity and the opportunity to learn in a secure environment.
The organisation described its campaign as a humanitarian movement aimed at drawing attention to the plight of vulnerable children and teachers, stressing that it is not politically motivated.
Speaking during the event, the Coordinator of the Body of Founders, Akpo Bodunrin Diejomaoh, who was joined by the Secretary, David Jegede, and other members of the organisation, urged the government to demonstrate stronger political will in tackling insecurity.
He identified three key steps needed to address the country’s security challenges.
“The first is the will to act. The second is to kill corruption. The third is to rethink and restructure the security apparatus of the nation.
“Sincerity of purpose must come into play. We have seen situations where people linked to violent crimes are absorbed into sensitive security structures. Government must address the root causes of insecurity rather than dealing with surface issues,” he said.
Diejomaoh also called for greater public participation in intelligence gathering and information sharing, noting that security should not be left to government alone.
“Every individual must play a role in securing society. Information sharing is very important, and authorities must be open-minded enough to deal with the real issues affecting security,” he added.
The group expressed concern over the vulnerability of schools, particularly those in remote communities.
According to Diejomaoh, many schools across the country lack adequate security protection despite recurring attacks on students and teachers.
He recalled instances where security personnel were deployed to some schools and urged that such measures be strengthened and expanded nationwide.
“Our schools, especially those in rural areas, are isolated and vulnerable. Government must invest more in protecting schools, teachers and other vulnerable members of society.
“There should be improvements in the security structure, and more resources should be committed to safeguarding educational institutions,” he said.
The group also advocated improved community policing and broader security reforms aimed at strengthening local intelligence networks.
While acknowledging existing government efforts, the organisation said corruption and lack of discipline had weakened the effectiveness of some security initiatives.
The Body of Founders urged Nigerians to unite in demanding stronger protection for children and teachers, insisting that school safety must be treated as a national priority.
It noted that several students and teachers had been kidnapped, killed or displaced due to insecurity in recent years.
The group called for collective action to reverse the trend and ensure that every child has access to safe education.
“We believe in peaceful and lawful actions that will awaken the conscience of society. We are not calling for violence or rebellion, but for collective action that will drive home the seriousness of this issue,” Diejomaoh stated.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to humanitarian service and community development, adding that protecting children remains essential to preserving Nigeria’s future.
It also appealed to governments, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders, parents and civil society groups to work together to safeguard schools and ensure the safe return of affected children and teachers.
The group maintained that no society can achieve meaningful progress if it fails to protect its most vulnerable citizens, especially children.
