The African Women Lawyers Association, Nigeria (AWLAN), Enugu State branch, has intensified calls for urgent national intervention following the continued captivity of 49 pupils and teachers abducted from schools in Oriire Local Council of Oyo State. The victims are reportedly being held within the Old Oyo National Park.
The association warned that the promise of education and sanitation would lose meaning where the safety of lives cannot be guaranteed. It stressed that no right can be fully exercised in the absence of security, particularly for children in learning environments.
AWLAN, Enugu State chapter, in a statement jointly signed by its State Coordinator, Chidi Grace Obeke; Secretary, Sylvia Abana; Treasurer, Georgina Emeribe; the National Executive, Dr Nnenna Anozie; and ex-officio, Nma Ogbonna, made the statement available to journalists on Tuesday to mark the International Day of the African Child. The association also used the occasion to examine systemic weaknesses spanning education infrastructure, water and sanitation access, domestic child welfare, and national protection mechanisms.
AWLAN urged the Federal Government and relevant security agencies to immediately intensify intelligence-led operations aimed at securing the release of the abducted teachers and pupils. The association described the situation as a stark test of the state’s responsibility to safeguard children within and around educational spaces. It warned that continued delays in response risk further eroding public confidence in national security systems.
While anchoring its advocacy on the continental theme, “Ensuring Universal Access to Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) for Every Child in Africa,” the association combined media outreach with direct community engagement. The campaign commenced with a live programme on Voice of Light FM, before extending into physical visits to selected schools in Enugu State.
AWLAN also called on religious leaders to extend their influence beyond spiritual guidance into active child protection roles within their communities. It urged faith institutions to help identify abuse cases and support community-based safeguarding systems.
AWLAN reaffirmed its commitment to sustained legal advocacy and public enlightenment, insisting that every child must be guaranteed access to protection, dignity, and basic social services, regardless of background or circumstance.
