Press Statement: SPEC statement on abduction of 25 schoolgirls
PRESS STATEMENT
Save Public Education Campaign (SPEC)
For Immediate Release
19th November, 2025
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST ACT NOW TO SECURE THE RELEASE OF 25 ABDUCTED SCHOOLGIRLS IN NORTHWESTERN KEBBI
The Save Public Education Campaign (SPEC) condemns in the strongest terms the abduction of 25 schoolgirls in Northwestern Kebbi State. This reprehensible attack on innocent learners is yet another painful reminder of the insecurity that continues to threaten education, especially for girls, across many parts of Nigeria.
We extend our solidarity to the families of the abducted children and to the affected school community. No parent should endure the nightmare of sending their child to school only to have them taken by armed criminals. No child should face terror for seeking an education.
We call on the Federal Government to act with urgency, clarity, and resolve to ensure the immediate and safe release of all 25 abducted schoolgirls.
This must be treated as a national emergency demanding coordinated security action, transparent communication with the public, and full deployment of available intelligence to secure their freedom without delay.
We further urge:
- Enhanced protection for schools across conflict-prone regions, including the full implementation of the Safe Schools Declaration, to which Nigeria is a signatory.
- A comprehensive national strategy to prevent school abductions, disrupt the financing and movement of armed groups, and strengthen community-based early warning systems.
- Support services for survivors and their families, including trauma counseling, education continuity, and reintegration programmes.
Our nation cannot continue normalizing attacks on learners and teachers. The future of public education—and the lives of our children—are at stake. Every day that these girls remain in captivity is a stain on our national conscience.
We are worried about the safety of these young girls and we don’t want their story to end like the Chibok girls and Leah. We will continue to fight for safety of every child because they are our future.
SPEC calls on civil society organizations, labour unions, student groups, community leaders, and all Nigerians to raise their voices and demand immediate action. Education must never be a battlefield. Our children must never be bargaining chips.
We stand unwavering in our commitment to defend the right of every Nigerian child to learn in safety and dignity.
#BringBackOurGirlsNow
#SavePublicEducation
#SecureOurSchools
Signed:
Save Public Education Campaign (SPEC)
Comrade Vivian Bello
Convener
Comrade Dimeji Macaulay
Co Convener