Rev. Jesse Tsekeh Raises Concern Over Insecurity, Calls for Protection of School Children

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

A cleric in Benue State, Rev. Jesse Tsekeh, has expressed deep concern over the worsening insecurity in Nigeria, warning that the increasing rate of schoolchildren abductions is denying many children access to education and a secure future.

Speaking in reaction to this year’s Children’s Day celebration, Tsekeh said it was difficult to genuinely celebrate children while many remain in kidnappers’ custody and others continue to live in fear of attacks on schools.
He observed that although schools and communities across the country marked the occasion with festivities, many families were grieving or anxiously awaiting the safe return of abducted children.
According to him, insecurity has gradually transformed schools from centres of learning and hope into targets for violent attacks, leaving parents fearful whenever their children leave home for school.
Rev. Jesse Tsekeh, writing from Jato-Aka in Turan, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue State, said: “Today is meant to celebrate the innocence, dreams and future of children, but many children are no longer in classrooms or at home with their families. Some are being held by kidnappers while others are afraid to even attend school.”
He referenced reports by the Federal Ministry of Education indicating that Nigeria currently has about 15 million out-of-school children, stressing that insecurity remains one of the key drivers of the crisis.
The cleric lamented that many children who survive school abductions often return traumatized and unable to fully continue their education, while several others are still missing.
He also noted that school enrollment, especially among girls in affected communities, has continued to decline because of persistent fear of attacks and kidnappings.
“When children are denied access to education because of insecurity, the future of the nation itself is endangered. No society can develop when fear keeps its young population away from classrooms,” he stated.
Rev. Tsekeh called on government at all levels to strengthen security around schools, respond swiftly to threats, and ensure that perpetrators of kidnappings are brought to justice.
He further urged communities, religious leaders, and parents to work together in protecting schools and safeguarding children from violence.
“No child should have to choose between going to school and staying alive. Until every child is safe and free to learn without fear, Children’s Day celebrations remain incomplete,” he said.
He added: “The abduction of schoolchildren leaves deep scars on families and communities. Many who escape return traumatized, unable to sleep or concentrate in class. Others remain missing, and their families live in endless pain and uncertainty. As a result, school enrollment has dropped in affected areas, especially among girls.
“When children are taken from school, it is not just their future that is stolen, but the future of the entire nation. A country cannot develop when its young people are kept out of classrooms by fear.
“If we want to celebrate Children’s Day with sincerity, the safety of every child must become a national priority. Government should strengthen security around schools, ensure a quick response to threats, and bring kidnappers to justice. Communities, religious leaders, and parents must also work together to protect schools and speak out against violence.”