Do you understand the danger of kidnappers increasingly targeting school children?
Don't assume it will never affect you. If it doesn't reach your immediate family, it could affect a relative, a friend, a neighbor, or someone you know. Even the so called elites will be affected. No community is completely safe when children become targets.
What makes this trend especially alarming is that kidnappers may see school children as more valuable targets than individuals. When large numbers of students are abducted, the pressure is on government and the government will be the one to negotiate or do whatever they can to rescue the victims.
The consequences are devastating, not only for the victims but for the entire nation.
Another serious concern is the location of many government schools. In numerous villages , schools are built far from densely populated communities.
This creates opportunities for criminals to strike quickly and escape before villagers can respond.
The kidnapping of school children should concern every Nigerian, regardless of tribe, religion and I hope the ruling party will stop seeing this issues as a blackmail to their government, and treat it as a national concern.
This is not a problem to be discussed only after another tragedy occurs. It requires urgent action now. Government at all levels must strengthen village security, secure vulnerable communities, and ensure that criminals face swift justice.
The protection of our children cannot wait. If the government fail to act today, tomorrow's consequences may be far greater than we imagine.