The International Human Rights Commission ( IHRC RFT), Nigeria Chapter, has raised serious concerns over the rising wave of student abductions in the country.

According to them, the recent attacks on schools show signs of planning and coordination rather than random incidents.

In a statement signed by its Country Director and Human Rights Advocate, Amb. Abdullahi Bakoji Adamu, the commission said the abductions from three different schools within one week clearly point to a pattern, a strategy, and the possibility that some people may be involved behind the scenes.

According to the commission, reports that security personnel were withdrawn from some schools shortly before the attacks, an issue raised publicly by the Governor of Kebbi State suggest a major security gap that must be investigated.

“This cannot be dismissed as mere coincidence. There are signs of planning, intentional execution, and a hidden agenda that must be uncovered.”

The commission warned that the attacks violate several global and national laws, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Nigeria’s 1999 Constitution.

It stressed that the right to life, dignity, and access to education are all being infringed upon when schools become targets of organised violence.

The organisation said, “No political, religious, or personal interest can justify harming a child. Nigerians have the right to know the truth about these attacks.”

The commission called on the Federal Government to act immediately, beginning with the urgent rescue of all abducted students.

“We are calling on the President, the National Security Adviser, service chiefs, and intelligence agencies to launch a rescue mission without delay. Time is running out,” the statement read.

IHRC-RFT also demanded an independent investigation into the withdrawal of security officers from affected schools, including who approved it and why.

It urged the government to prosecute anyone found to have aided or benefited from the attacks whether security personnel, politicians, or civilians.

The organisation further called for stronger protection for schools, including the creation of a specialised School Protection Unit, installation of security devices such as CCTV and alarms, and deeper community involvement in reporting suspicious activities.

The commission warned that Nigeria has reached a dangerous point and said the safety of children must become a national priority.

“We cannot continue to watch while our children are turned into bargaining chips. Nigeria is at risk. Our children are not political tools,” the statement said.

It added: “We are tired of explanations, we need action. We are tired of repeated security lapses we need protection. We need our children returned safely, today, not tomorrow.”