The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has denounced the abduction of 25 students of Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Kebbi State, as well as the violent attack and abduction of Christian worshippers in Eruku, Kwara State.
In a statement on Thursday, NOA Director General, Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu, described the kidnapping of the schoolgirls as a “reprehensible assault on the rights of children to safety and education,” warning that such incidents threaten ongoing national efforts to expand access to learning, especially for the girl-child.
“No child seeking education should ever be put at risk,” he stressed, adding that schools must remain safe spaces where children can learn and aspire without fear.
Issa-Onilu also condemned the attack on worshippers in Eruku, sending condolences to families affected. He labelled the incident “senseless and unacceptable,” noting that it undermines the peace and religious harmony Nigerians have collectively worked to preserve.
“Freedom of worship is a constitutional right. Any act targeting citizens on the basis of faith is unlawful and deeply unpatriotic,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that, in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s directive, security agencies are intensifying coordinated operations and intelligence efforts to ensure the safe rescue of the abducted schoolgirls and the worshippers.
The DG further highlighted the Agency’s ongoing initiatives such as the NOA monthly National Security Briefing, aimed at keeping citizens informed on progress recorded by security and regulatory agencies.
He urged Nigerians to support security agencies by providing timely information that could help prevent further harm and protect communities.