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Sad: Schoolchildren Now ‘Pawns in Ransom Economy’ There is nothing more heartbreaking for a nation than an inability to protect its children. The recent attacks and kidnappings of students from two schools—in Mussa Village, Askira/Uba LGA, Borno State (North-East) and Ahoro-Esinele community, Oriire Local Government Area, Oyo State (South-West)—mark a grave crisis that threatens the future of the nation. Beyond the immediate terror of these acts, they represent a significant infringement on the basic right to education and a safe upbringing. The fear of further abduction often leads children—especially girls—to permanently leave school. The ongoing “out-of-school” crisis is alarming in itself, and it is likely to worsen due to these distressing incidents. In areas frequently affected by such attacks, education systems often deteriorate. Fear becomes a substantial obstacle to school enrollment, adding to the already high number of children currently not attending school. Ensuring the safety of schools is not just a logistical issue; it is a moral obligation. Protecting the next generation demands a blend of community-led intelligence, the physical strengthening of educational facilities, and a transparent justice system that holds wrongdoers accountable. For the actualization of a new Nigeria that is POssible, we must make the safety, education, and wellbeing of our children a priority. -PO

Sad: Our Children Are Now Pawns in a Deadly Ransom Economy It’s heartbreaking to report yet another bandit attack on a school, barely three weeks after over 40 schoolchildren and their teachers were abducted and are still languishing in the forest. The security situation in Kogi State has taken another tragic turn with a brutal bandit attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Kabba-Bunu LGA. Armed bandits disguised in military uniforms invaded the school during an ongoing WAEC examination, killed the Vice Principal, Mr. Gani Anifowose, and attempted a mass abduction of students. Reports from the scene indicate that local security personnel and vigilantes actively resisted the attackers and frustrated their abduction attempt. Making educational institutions soft targets is a direct assault on the nation’s future. It creates a psychological barrier to school enrolment and worsens Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis, disproportionately forcing young girls out of formal education due to fear. There is nothing more heartbreaking for a nation than being unable to protect its children. My heartfelt condolences go to the family of the Vice Principal, who lost his life while gallantly defending the children entrusted to his care. May God grant his soul eternal repose.-PO