NBM of Africa Calls for National Unity Against Child Abductions, Insecurity
Crime/Social Justice
The leadership of the Neo-Black Movement (NBM) of Africa Worldwide has issued a strong appeal to religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society groups, and well-meaning Nigerians to unite against the rising tide of child abductions and banditry, describing it as a growing menace capable of undermining the nation’s social and economic stability if left unchecked.
In a statement issued on Monday by its National President, Dr. Charles Chimezie (Ph.D), the Pan-African organisation expressed deep concern over the escalating wave of kidnappings, which it warned poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s future and national development.
Dr. Chimezie condemned the activities of bandits and kidnappers who abduct children and allegedly exploit them within criminal networks, calling such acts a direct assault on the nation’s collective future. He stressed that every child taken from their family represents a life disrupted, a dream endangered, and a future placed in jeopardy.
“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 organisation’s warning comes amid renewed national outrage following the recent abduction of about 45 teachers and students in Oyo State by suspected bandits. The incident has heightened fears over the safety of schools and vulnerable communities across the country.
The NBM of Africa Worldwide further urged all stakeholders including the Federal and state governments, security agencies, community leaders, religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and ordinary Nigerians to join forces in rescuing children currently in captivity, dismantling criminal networks, and restoring peace to affected areas.
“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,” the statement added.
Dr. Chimezie emphasised that insecurity has continued to devastate families, displace communities, and rob countless children of access to education, identity, and hope.
“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.”
The organisation called on governments at all levels to prioritise the rescue and rehabilitation of affected children, describing them as “our responsibility, our future and our greatest asset.”
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 and well-being of children.
This latest call underscores the urgent need for a collective, multi-stakeholder response to what many now see as one of Nigeria’s most pressing national emergencies.
