CAN Decries Attacks On Students, Teachers

Christians Association of Nigeria

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has warned that Nigeria is endangering its own future. This comes following attacks on schools and the kidnapping of children by terrorists, and Nigerians have been reacting.

According to the CAN President, Daniel Okoh, many Nigerian families are celebrating Children’s Day under the weight of fear, hardship and uncertainty over the lives of their children.

Describing the Oyo school abductions as another painful reminder that children and schools were becoming increasingly vulnerable in communities battling insecurity, Okoh added that he is deeply troubled by the fate of children still in captivity.

His words, “A country where parents fear sending their children to school and teachers are uncertain about returning safely from work cannot honestly claim to be protecting its future.

No child should ever have to experience terror, violence or uncertainty in a place meant for learning, protection and hope.

The image of frightened teachers standing helplessly beside terrified children in the hands of criminals should trouble the conscience of the nation and stir urgent action from those responsible for securing lives and communities.

For too many young Nigerians, childhood itself is gradually being replaced by hardship, fear and survival.

As a father and your President: you are not forgotten. You are not abandoned.

Some children have been forced into fear. Some parents cannot join today’s celebration because their hearts are set on one prayer: ‘Bring our children home.

To the families grieving and despondent, your government will not turn your pain into ceremony. We will continue to work until children taken from their homes, schools and communities are returned safely, and until those who profit from this cruelty are brought to justice.

The federal ministry of education, working with state governments, is to deepen the implementation of the Safe Schools framework with clear reporting, clear responsibility and clear timelines.”

WOW.