YALI Network raises alarm over worsening insecurity, calls for immediate rescue of abducted children

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) Network Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the persistent wave of insecurity across the country, particularly the recurring abduction of children, attacks on schools, and violent assaults on vulnerable communities.

In a statement signed by its National Head, Rabihat Rabiu, the organization described the continued kidnapping of innocent children as a national tragedy and a serious violation of fundamental human rights, warning that the trend poses a grave threat to Nigeria’s future.

According to the network, no nation can achieve meaningful development when children live in constant fear, parents are uncertain about the safety of their wards, and access to education is threatened by criminal activities.

The organization noted that the increasing incidents of abductions, violent attacks, and displacement of communities in various parts of the country have created widespread anxiety and insecurity among citizens.

YALI Network Nigeria emphasized that beyond the immediate trauma suffered by victims and their families, the persistent insecurity undermines public confidence in institutions, weakens social cohesion, and hampers national development efforts.

“As a network of young leaders committed to democratic values, civic responsibility, and sustainable development, we believe that urgent and decisive measures are required to tackle the root causes of insecurity and restore confidence in public safety,” the statement said.

The network called on the Federal Government and security agencies to move beyond routine condemnations and implement practical, measurable, and sustainable solutions to address the security challenges confronting the nation.

Among its key demands, YALI Network Nigeria called for the immediate and coordinated rescue of all abducted children and victims of kidnapping. It also urged increased investment in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, and rapid-response security mechanisms to improve the country’s ability to prevent and respond to criminal activities.

The organization further advocated enhanced protection of schools and educational institutions through the effective implementation of school safety initiatives aimed at safeguarding students, teachers, and educational infrastructure.

It also demanded the swift investigation, prosecution, and punishment of individuals responsible for kidnappings and other violent crimes, including those who sponsor or provide support to criminal groups.

The youth leadership network stressed the importance of stronger collaboration among federal, state, and local authorities to build and strengthen community-based security systems capable of detecting and preventing threats before they escalate.

Recognizing the long-term impact of insecurity on victims, the group called for increased support services for affected families, including psychosocial counseling, rehabilitation, and educational reintegration programmes for rescued children.

The statement also emphasized the need for transparency and accountability, urging government authorities to maintain regular communication with citizens on steps being taken to combat insecurity and prevent future occurrences.

YALI Network Nigeria further appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, religious institutions, civil society organizations, and private sector stakeholders to unite in addressing the security crisis, stressing that the protection of children must remain a national priority rather than a subject of political or regional divisions.

“The security of Nigerian children must never become a matter of political debate or sectional interest. It is a collective responsibility that demands the commitment of all stakeholders,” the organization stated.

Addressing Nigerian youths, the network encouraged continued advocacy for peace, justice, accountability, and community resilience, urging young people to remain active participants in promoting solutions that strengthen national security and social harmony.

YALI Network Nigeria reaffirmed its solidarity with families and communities affected by insecurity across the country, pledging to continue advocating policies and actions that protect lives, safeguard education, and uphold the dignity and rights of every Nigerian child.

The organization concluded by stressing that the time for urgent action is now, insisting that every child deserves safety, every family deserves peace, and every community deserves security.