Mrs Idehen-Ovabor Demands Urgent Rescue of Abducted Children

A renowned pharmacist and Director of Springfield Private School (SPS) and Bosede Idehen International Academy (BIIA), Mrs. Maureen Idehen-Ovabor, has expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity situation in Nigeria, particularly the growing cases of child kidnapping across the country.

Eko Hot News reports that Mrs. Idehen-Ovabor made the remarks while speaking with journalists on Monday, where she described the continuous abduction of innocent children as a national tragedy that requires immediate and coordinated action from government authorities.

The education administrator stated that criminal groups, including bandits and kidnappers, have become increasingly emboldened and are now targeting children from ordinary families for financial gain.

According to her, the trend is not only disturbing but also threatens the future of the nation, as many children now live under constant fear due to the activities of criminal elements.

She lamented that kidnappers now demand huge sums of money as ransom from parents who are already struggling with economic challenges.

Mrs. Idehen-Ovabor questioned how average Nigerian families are expected to raise such outrageous amounts within a short period while their children remain in captivity.

She called on both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to put politics aside and focus on securing the release of abducted children and restoring peace to affected communities.

“The lives of these children must be prioritized above every political interest. We need our leaders to work together and ensure that these innocent children are reunited with their families,” she said.

The school proprietor expressed sadness over the fact that reports of kidnapping have become a regular feature in newspapers, radio broadcasts, and television news bulletins.

According to her, the frequency of such incidents has created an atmosphere of fear among citizens, with many Nigerians no longer feeling safe in their homes, schools, or communities.

Mrs. Idehen-Ovabor noted that as a school owner, she fully understands the emotional pain and psychological burden faced by parents whose children have become victims of kidnapping.

She said teachers and school administrators also experience emotional distress whenever students are placed in danger, stressing that educational institutions must remain safe environments for learning and development.

The respected pharmacist explained that the current security crisis requires intelligence-driven strategies and stronger collaboration among security agencies.

She warned that criminal groups appear to have transformed kidnapping into a profitable enterprise, making it necessary for authorities to respond with urgency and determination.

Mrs. Idehen-Ovabor also advised parents to be more vigilant regarding the movements and safety of their children.

She disclosed that her schools have already strengthened internal security measures and directed management staff to maintain closer communication with parents regarding students’ welfare.

According to her, protecting children should not be left solely in the hands of security personnel, as parents, teachers, school administrators, and community members all have critical roles to play.

The SPS/BIIA Director further described Nigeria as being at a critical moment that requires collective responsibility and decisive leadership.

She expressed particular concern that despite the recent Children’s Day celebrations, some Nigerian children remain in captivity, separated from their loved ones.

Mrs. Idehen-Ovabor described the situation as heartbreaking and called on government authorities to intensify efforts toward rescuing all abducted children and dismantling criminal networks responsible for the attacks.

She concluded by urging stakeholders across the country to unite against insecurity and work toward rebuilding a safer environment where children can grow, learn, and thrive without fear.

The education advocate maintained that restoring security must remain a top national priority, emphasizing that the future of Nigeria depends largely on the safety and well-being of its children.