Every Child Deserves a Home, Not a Hideout — NBM of Africa Decries Rising Banditry, Child Abductions
By Elvis Omoregie
The leadership of the NBM of Africa Worldwide has expressed deep concern over the growing wave of child abductions and worsening insecurity across Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the nation's future and overall development.
In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Dr. Charles Chimezie, the Pan-African organisation condemned the activities of bandits and kidnappers who abduct children and allegedly expose them to exploitation within criminal networks, describing the development as a direct attack on the country's collective future.
The organisation's reaction comes amid increasing cases of kidnappings across various parts of the country, including the recent abduction of 45 teachers and students in Oyo State by suspected bandits, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of schools and vulnerable communities.
According to Dr. Chimezie, every child taken away from his or her family represents a life disrupted, a dream endangered, and a future placed in jeopardy.
He stressed that affected children deserve protection, rehabilitation, and the opportunity to grow in a safe and secure environment.
"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 NBM of Africa called on the Federal Government, state governments, security agencies, community leaders, and other critical stakeholders to intensify efforts to rescue children currently in captivity, dismantle criminal networks, and restore peace to affected communities across the country.
The organisation noted that insecurity continues to devastate families, displace communities, and rob countless children of access to education, identity, and hope, adding that urgent intervention is needed to prevent further deterioration of the situation.
"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," Dr. Chimezie said.
The group also urged religious leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organisations, and well-meaning Nigerians to unite against what it described as a growing menace capable of undermining the country's social and economic stability if left unchecked.
"We call on governments at all levels to prioritise the rescue and rehabilitation of affected children. Our children are our responsibility, our future, and our greatest asset," the statement added.
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, welfare, and well-being of children.
The organisation maintained that protecting every child remains a critical pillar of national development and the foundation for building a safer and more secure Nigeria.
