The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has urged the Federal Government to urgently strengthen security around schools and protect children across the country, as Nigeria marked the 2026 Children’s Day.
In a statement released on Wednesday and signed by the CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, the association said the occasion should ordinarily be a time of joy but is instead overshadowed by rising insecurity affecting children nationwide.
Okoh noted that while CAN joined Nigerians in celebrating the potential and value of children, it remained deeply worried about the increasing threats they face, especially recent attacks on schools.
He referenced the abduction of pupils and teachers in Oyo State, describing the incident as a painful reminder of the deteriorating safety situation in learning environments. According to him, such occurrences continue to raise troubling questions about the safety of schools and the future of education in the country.
CAN expressed concern over the emotional trauma suffered by families of abducted children still in captivity, stressing that no child should be exposed to fear or violence in spaces meant for learning and development.
The association also highlighted the role of teachers, describing them as more than educators who also act as protectors, mentors and caregivers to their students. It lamented that both teachers and pupils are increasingly facing insecurity in the course of education.
Warning that continued attacks on schools threaten Nigeria’s future, CAN said a country where parents fear sending their children to school cannot confidently claim to be securing its development.
Beyond school attacks, the Christian body drew attention to broader challenges confronting Nigerian children, including poverty, hunger, abuse, trafficking, child labour, and limited access to quality education and healthcare services.
It called on federal, state and local authorities as well as security agencies to prioritise the protection of schools and children, insisting that they must not become victims of a failing security system.
CAN further urged parents, religious bodies, traditional rulers, the media, schools and community leaders to collaborate in safeguarding children and strengthening moral values in society.
Addressing children living under difficult or insecure conditions, Okoh encouraged them not to lose hope, assuring them that their future remains valuable and worthy of protection.
The association reaffirmed its commitment to advocating justice, responsible leadership and policies that ensure the safety and welfare of every Nigerian child.